Nicola Sturgeon in Brexit talks with business leaders

Nicola Sturgeon will call on Scotland’s business leaders to set out a "united response" to the Brexit vote.

The First Minister is to hold talks with senior business, representatives today, when she will say that their response to the referendum result will be "crucial in protecting Scotland's interests".

In separate talks, Scottish Secretary David Mundell will offer UK government support to business groups.

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The UK backed leaving the EU, but in Scotland 62 per cent of the electorate voted to remain.

Sturgeon, speaking ahead of her meeting with representatives of business groups including the CBI and the Institute of Directors, said "all options are on the table" to protect Scotland's place in Europe.

She said: "Scotland's economy is fundamentally strong, but continued EU membership and our place in the world's biggest single market is absolutely vital when it comes to protecting jobs, investment and long-term-prosperity.

"Clearly there is now uncertainty for business, so we need to protect Scotland from that as much as possible.

"Today's meeting with leading business organisations is a vital step in that process, as Scotland's business community has a great deal to play in this - by coming together today they can start to map out a united response, which will be crucial in protecting Scotland's interests."