KEITH BROWN has given his support to a motion put forth at Holyrood this week calling for Scotland's place in Europe to be protected.

The Clackmannanshire and Dunblane MSP joined fellow SNP members, as well as those in Labour, the Lib Dems and the Greens, in remonstrating with the UK-wide decision to leave the European Union.

Scotland voted overwhelmingly to remain, and since many have called for discussions between Scottish Ministers and officials in Brussels in order to maintain Scotland's place in the union instead of being "dragged out against our will".

On Tuesday, Mr Brown joined the other 91 MSPs who voted in favour of a motion which mandates the Scottish Government to "explore options for protecting Scotland’s relationship with the EU" while maintaining current economic ties with the region.

The motion was backed by every MSP, except those with the Scottish Conservative party.

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Speaking afterwards, Mr Brown said: "Last week, the people of Clackmannanshire made their voice heard in no uncertain terms – and I was proud to join MSPs across the parties to cast my vote in the Scottish Parliament to make clear that their decision should be respected.

“That Ruth Davidson and the Tories could not find it within themselves to back this common-sense position in unison with the rest of the parliament shows just how far they are willing to go to defend their colleagues in the UK Government – throwing Scotland under the bus in the process.

“Over the last few days, Nicola Sturgeon is the only politician in the UK who has shown any leadership whatsoever – and it is entirely right that MSPs have given her this overwhelming mandate to make Scotland’s case directly to EU institutions and member states.

“Our national parliament spoke with a strong and united voice – making absolutely clear that Clackmannanshire’s vote must be respected and Scotland’s place in Europe must be protected.

“In doing so, the first minister has made clear that no option is off the table – and the SNP in government will do everything we can to ensure that Scotland maintains its place in the European family of nations, rather than being dragged out against our will by a right-wing Tory party which now finds itself in complete disarray.”

In response, Alexander Stewart, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, who had been an outspoken advocate of the Brexit campaign, urged the SNP to "accept the democratic will" of the UK voters.

He said: “It is crucial now that, rather than continuing to pursue the politics of grievance, the Scottish National Party and the government that it controls instead works constructively with the UK Government during our exit negotiations to ensure that both Scotland and the UK get the best deal when shaping our future relationship with the European Union.”

“Moreover, the SNP must realise that the 1.6 million votes to remain in Scotland in this latest referendum do not trump the 2 million votes cast less than two years ago to stay within the United Kingdom. A Scotland within the European Union but independent of the United Kingdom is an even less attractive prospect than before.

"There is now no question that there would have to be a physical border between Scotland and England and that Scotland would have to adopt the failed Euro as its currency.

“This result presents many opportunities for us in Clackmannanshire," he added. "The Scottish Parliament will be emboldened by the powers that are repatriated to the UK following our exit. The Scottish National Party should seize this opportunity to have a greater control of Scotland’s affairs.

"Agricultural policy, for example, will soon be set closer to home rather than being determined by unelected bureaucrats in Brussels.

“We must be clear, however, that everyone who has moved to the Clackmannanshire area from other parts of the European Union must not be worried about their future. They will all have leave to remain in the United Kingdom following our eventual exit from the European Union.

“As we go forward our immigration policy will become less discriminatory towards those who do not happen to be from the European continent and we will continue to welcome the best and the brightest from all countries around the world to both Scotland and to the UK to help us fill the skills gaps in our economy.

“It is time for everyone to come together, to accept the democratic will of the people of the United Kingdom and work to get the best possible deal for Scotland and the United Kingdom.”