The idea of Scotland remaining in the EU has been getting a warm reception from some MEPs.

Parties on the left are more receptive to membership and for the Scots remain vote to count for something.

It is clear that only member states can negotiate and only independent countries can apply for membership but following the referendum Scotland has been given serious consideration by MEPs.

Read more: Stewart Paterson's Holyrood Week column: Scotland is getting warm reception in Europe

After First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, met with political group leaders in Brussels last week, this week in Strasbourg, MEPs have been discussing Scotland’s situation.

Ska Keller, Green MEP from Germany, said: “It is clear Scotland has voted to remain. I guess it is a boost to independence.”

The vice chair of the Greens/European Free Alliance, said: “If Scotland proposes to become independent we should make sure it can remain in the EU.”

She said only the far right are happy with the UK decision. She added: “They hope it could trigger a referendum in their own countries.”

Jeppe Kofod, Danish MEP from the Socialists and Democrats group, said he was aware why Scotland would want to stay in.

He said: “We listened carefully to Scotland.

“We know coming from smaller state like Denmark how important it is to be part of single market. It is huge.

“There are legal rules. We can’t regulate on Scotland because rules will not allow it.

“It is an internal UK matter to be resolved. I understand Scotland wants to remain.

He added: “It is natural for Denmark to communicate with Scotland.”

Scottish MEPs have also been discussing the situation with colleagues.

SNP MSP, Alyn Smyth has been canvassing MEPs to support Scotland.

In between meetings with various MEPs, he said he was getting a favourable reception.

Labour MEP David Martin even said he hasn’t ruled out backing independence to stay in the EU.

He said: “I said I haven’t ruled it out. Put in a position of a choice between two unions. Ideally I want to be part of both. The likelihood is the UK is a better deal for Scotland on trade”

He said it would be difficult to cut ourselves off from trade with England.

However, he said: “England could be a declining economy” post EU membership.

He added: “would we want to be part of that?”

He said: “It is valid to wait for the outcome. I am not rushing to premature judgement.”

Ian Duncan Scottish Conservative MEP said Scotland leaving the UK because it was leaving the EU was illogical.

He said: “It is like getting into the lifeboat from a sinking ship then jumping out of the lifeboat.”

He said the reaction from colleagues in Europe after the referendum was “mostly sorrow”.

He said some people in the EU want Britain out as quickly as possible now the vote has been taken.

However he said the member governments want to take their time.