NICOLA Sturgeon will use her enhanced profile since the general election to try and persuade voters south of the border to stay in the European Union.

After reaching an English audience through last year’s TV debates, the First Minister will make a series of speeches selling the benefits of being in the EU.

SNP Europe and External Affairs secretary Fiona Hyslop told the Sunday Herald: “The First Minister will continue to make speeches in London and elsewhere on our view of how the UK should operate in the EU. We will be setting out our views and our arguments for a positive view based on solidarity, social protection and mutual support.

“There are a number of speaking opportunities both north and south of the border for Nicola Sturgeon. We have been making these arguments already but they’ll have more attention now.

“Nicola has an election to win in Scotland in May and I’m sure she’ll be will be focusing her time and attention on that, but she has a profile that’s not just within the UK, it’s wider within Europe and elsewhere. She’ll be very astute as to what impact she can make and where.”

Hyslop said that, after the drama of the European Council haggling in Brussels last week, the referendum arguments would swiftly move to “big picture” issues such as jobs and security.

She also predicted there would an “irresistible” public demand for a second independence referendum if there was a Brexit against Scotland’s wishes, but stopped short of saying the Scottish Government would automatically call one.

Pledging a positive SNP case for staying in the EU, Sturgeon warned other In campaigners not to repeat the mistakes of ‘Project Fear’.

“It's not a perfect institution – and while I believe it would be best for Scotland to be in the EU as an independent member state, I believe it is better for us in all circumstances to stay in.”

She criticised Cameron for being pushed into the referendum by Ukip and the Tory right and choosing a date that meant an overlap with the Holyrood election campaign. However, she said the main business now was to secure an In vote.

“It's important that the campaign to remain in the EU learns the lessons of Scotland’s independence referendum, so that it does not lapse into scaremongering and fear,” she warned.

Former SNP deputy leader Jim Sillars urged Scots to vote No to hasten Scottish independence, arguing it would remove the obstacle of EU hostility to an independent Scotland.

He said the Yes movement would always face fierce resistance from Brussels while the UK was in the EU, as Europe was terrified of areas such as Catalonia or the Basque country following suit.

“It is much easier for the EU to accept a Scotland peeling off from the UK and continuing to be part of an association agreement [on trade], as there’s no challenge to secession,” he said.

“That was the big problem in 2014. Scotland was challenging the No secession mentality of the EU, which is why the Spanish were going to veto it.

“From the desire of getting an independent Scotland, I am voting for the UK to come out the EU. That makes it easier for Scotland to get its independence. That’s a big factor.”

He added that once out of the EU, Scotland should stay out, rather than try to re-enter as an independent state, as it would have to join the “dysfunctional and dangerous” Euro.

Echoing Jeremy Corbyn support for an In vote, Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale said: “There is a strong socialist case for staying in the EU. Working in solidarity with the other nations of the EU secures vital rights for workers and greater opportunities for our young people. We should celebrate and build on that, not walk away from it."

MEP David Coburn, Scotland’s only elected Ukip politician, said: "If we get out of the European Union powers will be repatriated to Scotland for fishing, on agriculture, many other things. If we can get a Brexit, Scotland will get a lot more powers.”

In contrast to David Cameron's "heart and soul" desire for an In vote, Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson was decidedly lukewarm.

“For my own part, I believe that – on balance – Scotland’s businesses do better from being part of the biggest free trade bloc in the world, and I hope the country chooses to remain,” she said.

Scottish LibDem leader Willie Rennie said the UK’s future should be at the heart of the EU.

"Our ancestors, who experienced a continent of conflict for centuries, will be looking on with incredulity that we are even considering leaving the organisation that helped create a continent of peace."

Scotland Stronger in Europe spokesman John Edward said: “Scottish votes could be crucial in keeping the UK in Europe.”