Nicola Sturgeon has met the EU's chief Brexit negotiator to brief him about Scotland's priorities in Brussels on Thursday.

The Scottish Government said its priority is building consensus against an extreme Brexit outside the single market and protecting Scotland's vital interests.

Michel Barnier met Sturgeon and will also hold talks with Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones, as well as Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, in the Belgian capital to discuss the progress of Brexit talks.

He has stressed he will only negotiate with the UK Government.

Ahead of the meeting, a spokesman for Sturgeon said: "This is an opportunity to brief Mr Barnier on Scotland's priorities and seek to enhance our understanding of the current EU position as Brexit negotiations continue.

"Our priority is protecting Scotland's vital interests and building consensus against an extreme Brexit outside the single market, which would be potentially disastrous for jobs, investment and living standards.

"This is not about holding separate Scottish negotiations - we have always accepted that the EU will only negotiate with UK, which is why we will continue to work hard to influence the UK position."

Barnier said Britain must offer more clarity on its position on the "divorce bill" financial settlement with the EU - as well as the status of expat citizens and the nature of the future border with Ireland - if it is to make progress towards a deal on trade arrangements after Brexit.