Nicola Sturgeon set for Brussels talks with Martin Schulz

NICOLA Sturgeon is to head to Brussels tomorrow for talks with European Parliament President Martin Schulz as she attempts to maintain Scotland's place in the EU.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, left, and European Parliament President Martin Schulz. Picture: Getty Images

Her diplomatic mission will also see the First Minister meet with Guy Verhofstadt, the former Prime Minister of Belgium who leads the Liberal group at the parliament.

Mr Verhofstadt said earlier today that if Scots ‘choose the European Union over the United Kingdom’ - that is, vote for independence in a second referendum - then Scotland should be able to stay in the EU.

• READ MORE - Sturgeon seeks Holyrood backing for Scot EU deal

Brussels talks: Nicola Sturgeon. Picture: PA

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has said he intends to talk with Ms Sturgeon over the coming days, although no firm date has set for a meeting yet.

“This is all about finding what solutions might be available in completely uncharted territory in a situation which is not of our making,” Ms Sturgeon’s spokesman said.

• READ MORE - Scots MEP Alyn Smith gets standing ovation after EU speech

“We are intent on finding the best possible outcome for Scotland to maintain our EU status in light of the demographically expressed wishes of the people of Scotland in last week’s referendum.

Brussels talks: Nicola Sturgeon. Picture: PA

“What that may or may not entail – that is the matter for discussion.

“No-one has ever been in this situation before.”

The Scotsman’s EU Referendum page: Keep up to date with latest news, polls and features.