Nicola Sturgeon to attend the Arctic Circle Assembly in Iceland

Nicola Sturgeon - Parliament TV

Nicola Sturgeon will travel to Iceland to attend the Arctic Circle Assembly as part of efforts to build closer ties with northern nations and foster cooperation on climate change.

In a two-day trip to Reykjavik the First Minister will meet the Icelandic president along with representatives of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The FM attended the assembly last year, using the trip to highlight Scotland’s commitment to keeping global temperature rises to under 1.5C.

Speaking ahead of the trip, Sturgeon said: "Climate change is clearly an issue that affects us all, and is a policy area where Scotland is helping to lead the way internationally.

"And the impact of climate change on the Arctic and the wider region, of which we are an important part, is being increasingly felt.

"That is why Scotland will continue to work with others and share internationally our low carbon expertise.

"There is much Scotland can gain by looking north, and we also have knowledge and insight to share with our neighbours in the region.

"As we face the growing threat of an economically damaging extreme Brexit, it is more vital than ever that we seek to build strong international links, and I am determined to do all I can to build consensus with like-minded nations.”

Edinburgh will host the Arctic Circle Forum in November.