“The woman at the agency said they liked us and our situation was very good, and I think from what I was telling her we were ideal candidates,” says Laura Battaglia of her and her husband Russell’s attempt to adopt a child.

After nine years living in Scotland, the Italian-born translator is excited at the prospect of becoming a mother to a child in need of a home with her Scottish partner.

Yet, that dream of providing a caring, loving environment could be dashed.

“They said we had to wait until after Brexit is done and we know which deal we have, and then we would proceed,” she said, “For the time being until this is solved, [the adoption agent] said she didn’t know if councils will be too happy to place a child with someone who is European.

The couple, from Kilwinning, North Ayrshire, decided to consider adoption late last year, and enquired with several adoption agents about finding a child.

Now told to wait to begin the process until after securing settled status within the UK, which would allow her to remain in Scotland indefinitely, she is at a loss. Applications for settled status open on March 30 – the day after Britain leaves the EU.

“Councils are not sure how it’s going to work, so we have to wait until it’s decided or until they open applications for settled status,” Mrs Battaglia said. “ You can’t force councils to accept you. I thought it was very unfair.”

Read more: Brexit voices: Why we chose to make Scotland home

Local authorities such as Glasgow say they have no policy against EU nationals adopting before Brexit. But the knock-on effect is brutally clear.

Ms Battaglia is one of the 50 European migrants who spoke to The Herald as the UK passed the threshold of 50 days until its first day outside of the EU on March 30.

Brexit voices

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Are you an EU citizen from outwith the UK living in Scotland who supports Brexit? Let us know. Email tony.diver@newsquest.co.uk