Nicola Sturgeon has said Scotland’s independence movement should set “an example to the world,” as she defended her decision to come to the United Nations while leading a separatist campaign.

The first minister, speaking during the New York leg of her week-long US tour, said that Scotland’s independence movement had got this far “without a drop of blood being shed” – and should inspire other nations.

“I feel that Scotland is unusual,” she said, addressing a packed, windowless conference room in the basement of the UN. “And I actually think it sets a really positive example for the world.

“The campaign for independence – which has existed for much, much longer than my lifetime - has got to where it is – a referendum, a vigorously fought referendum campaign - without one drop of blood shed.