BORIS Johnson told the Scottish Government nothing about his lastest Brexit proposals, MSPs have heard.

Cabinet Secretary Michael Russell said there had been "no correspondence" from the UK Government on its suggestion Northern Ireland could remain in the EU single market while leaving the customs union.

He said the Scottish Government was being left to find out about developments from media reports.

The SNP warned last week that the "ourageous" move - to which EU leaders have already voiced their opposition would put Scotland at a competitive disadvantage, hurting Scottish exporters and potentially curbing investment.

Responding to a question from fellow SNP MSP Annabelle Ewing, Russell said: "While EU exit was discussed at the Joint Ministerial Committee on EU Negotiations in London on September 12, we received no correspondence from the UK Government on their proposals for a new Brexit agreement ahead of the announcement from the Prime Minister.

"I spoke with the Secretary of State for Exiting the EU shortly after the publication at his request.

"As has been the case throughout these negotiations, the Scottish Government has not been treated as a trusted partner.

"Indeed, we've kept abreast of developments through media reports. It's disappointing and frustrating that again devolved administrations have had no meaningful opportunity to influence."

In response to another question from Ewing about reported interactions between the Prime Minister and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Russell said: "I think there is a general view that whatever is taking place in 10 Downing Street, it is so outside the norms for the Prime Minister, or indeed for any civilised government, that we do wonder what will come next.

"We don't know where the Prime Minister is going, we don't know where this is going, but the damage it is doing is immense."