SCOTTISH political leaders have reacted with dismay to the election of Donald Trump as US President.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon offered her congratulations while stating it was not her preferred outcome.

Mr Trump has been branded a racist bully by Green leader, Patrick Harvie, and accused of running a misogynist campaign by Labour leader Kezia Dugdale.

While Tory leader, Ruth Davidson, hoped that Trump will be a different person as President and Willie Rennie said others should seek to influence Trump to be more tolerant.

First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon said: "While this is not the outcome I hoped for, it is the verdict of the American people and we must respect it. I congratulate president-elect Trump on winning the election.

"We value our relationship with the United States and its people. The ties that bind Scotland and the US - of family, culture and business - are deep and longstanding and they will always endure.”

She said the result would lead to a “sense of anxiety” across the world

However she added: “I hope the president-elect will take the opportunity to reach out to those who felt marginalized by his campaign and make clear - in deeds as well as words - that he will be a president for everyone in modern, multicultural America."

Ruth Davidson also lamented the result.

She said: “It's not the result I wanted but we now have to hope that President Trump turns out to be a different man to candidate Trump.

"Those of us who believe open, western values are the best way to provide economic security for people now have to redouble our efforts to show they deliver for people."

Ms Dugdale who campaigned in the US for Hillary Clinton, said it was a “dark day”

She said

“Like countless people in Scotland, the UK, and across the globe I watched with great sadness as the results from the presidential election came in.

“While we must all respect the result of this democratic contest, today is a dark day for those of us who believe in compassion, tolerance and equality.

“Donald Trump was responsible for a hate-filled campaign that was dominated by lies, misogyny and racism. As president-elect, he now has a responsibility to America and the world to heal the deep divisions he has caused.

She said women, gay people and Muslims will now be “incredibly worried about the direction of their country”.

Patrick Harvie MSP, Co-convener of the Scottish Greens, said: "The election of a racist, sexist bully to the White House is profoundly depressing and will be ringing alarm bells across the world. “

He called on the First Minister to state clearly the new President is not welcome in Scotland.

He added: “Although Nicola Sturgeon has said the ties between Scotland and the US will endure, she must be clear that a racist, sexist bully is not welcome in Scotland even if he is US President.

“He needs to get the message from Scotland loud and clear that he will not be extended any courtesies as he has shown zero respect himself."

LibDem leader Willie Rennie MSP said: "Hope needs to prevail in the face of the politics of division. Open, liberal, tolerant and hopeful voices must stand up and be counted.

"We do not fight fire with fire. Our job as liberals is to make sure we can always inspire people in favour of an open and tolerant society. We want a world where everyone has a fair chance to get up and get on in life and to have respect for who they are.”