Scottish ministers are in Brussels for talks with MEPs in a bid to prevent a "hard Brexit" for Scotland.

Brexit minister Michael Russell and external affairs minister Fiona Hyslop are holding discussions with MEPs in the hope Scotland can be part of the European single market.

The ministers will also host a briefing session in Scotland House at the European Parliament for more than 130 audience members from Europe and farther afield.

A majority of voters in Scotland and Northern Ireland backed Remain in the June referendum while majorities in Wales and England voted Leave.

This gave the Leave campaign an overall majority of 52% across the UK.

Speaking ahead of the visit, his first in the new role, Russell said: "Since the referendum result in June, the Scottish Government has worked hard to continue our strong relationship in Brussels and protect Scotland's interests across Europe.

"A key objective from these talks will be to work with others across the political divide to avert a hard Brexit for Scotland - there is simply no UK mandate for that.

"I will also raise the First Minister's commitment to publish proposals that would allow Scotland to stay in the single market and to preserve aspects of our relationship with the EU even if the rest of the UK is intending to leave."

He added: "I am incredibly proud of the warm reception we've always had from those right across the European Parliament and the hugely positive pick-up we've had from those wishing to attend the question-and-answer session is proof that Europe sees the Scottish Government being at the heart of the discussions on the UK's exit from the EU.

"As a government, we remain absolutely committed to finding a solution that offers a good outcome for the people of Scotland, who voted overwhelmingly to remain in the European Union, and for the EU as a whole."

A UK Government said it would "secure the best deal for Scotland and the rest of the UK as we exit the EU".

A spokesperson added: "It is important the Scottish Government and UK Government work together in a constructive way as we head into negotiations.

"As the UK Government has said we want the Scottish Government to be closely involved, and we are ready to look at any detailed proposals they bring forward."