Nicola Sturgeon said yesterday she would seek “immediate discussions” with Brussels to protect Scotland’s place in the EU while warning again that another independence referendum was “very much on the table”.

She plans to set up a panel of experts to advise her on legal, financial and diplomatic matters as she seeks to continue Scotland's membership.

Following an emergency meeting of Scottish ministers - the first held on a Saturday - the First Minister said she would “act decisively but in a way that builds unity across Scotland”.

The cabinet meeting was called amid warnings that the Brexit vote could precipitate the break up Britain after Scotland voted by a margin of 62 per cent to 38 per cent to remain in Europe.

Ms Sturgeon insists a second vote on independence is now “highly likely” in the next two years, and confirmed her government will draw up the necessary legislation for a fresh vote.