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The Scottish Government receives legal advice on this and other EU matters on an on-going basis and will continue to do so as appropriate as it explores all options to protect Scotland’s interests and relationship with the EU.

The Scottish Ministerial code is clear that Ministers must not divulge either the source or content of legal advice. However, this will not undermine Scottish Government commitment to provide regular updates to the Scottish Parliament on the work undertaken in response to the result of the EU referendum.

The Scottish Government is currently undertaking an extensive analysis to understand the potential implications of the UK exiting the EU, and the impact on Scotland. In all its work the Scottish Government is exploring ways to protect Scotland’s national interests. This work draws on evidence from a wide range of sources, including in-house analysis, stakeholder feedback, and advice from the Standing Council on Europe. Some of this analysis has been published in the reports I referred to in answer to question S5W-04193 on 15 November 2016. The First Minister has also announced that proposals for maintaining membership of the Single Market for Scotland, even if the rest of the UK leaves, will be published in the next few weeks.

All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

I and other Scottish Ministers have given regular updates to the Scottish Parliament on the work the Scottish Government is undertaking in response to the result of the EU referendum.

The Scottish Government research published on 28 October 2016 contains a breakdown of Scotland's population by sector of employment. This includes a breakdown of recent EEA migrants and established EEA migrants. This research is cited in answer to question S5W-04192 on 16 November 2016.

All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

Analysis published by the Scottish Government (“Potential Implications of the UK Leaving the EU on Scotland’s Long Run Economic Performance”) on 23 August 2016 summarises the impact that leaving the EU could have on the Scottish economy based on a range of recent studies covering different trading relationships that the UK could adopt.

The analysis shows that the potential cost to Scottish GDP of leaving the European Union could be up to £11.2 billion per year by 2030 than under a scenario where the UK remains a member. The analysis also indicates that leaving the EU could result in a reduction in Scottish tax revenues of up to £3.7 billion a year by 2030.

Evidence published by the European and External Relations Committee based on analysis by the Fraser of Allander Institute confirms the risks Brexit poses to Scotland’s economy. The Fraser of Allander Institute forecast that leaving the EU could result in the number of people in employment being up to 80,000 lower after 10 years.

The Scottish Government is pursuing all options to retain our relationship with Europe, access to the single market, and all the advantages that brings.

The Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe for 2016-17 does not have a specific budget allocated to him. However, the Scottish Government Europe and External Affairs budget supports the promotion of Scotland as well as its interests and identity at home and abroad. Further details on this budget can be found at: http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2015/12/9056/15.

Analysis published by the Scottish Government (“Potential Implications of the UK Leaving the EU on Scotland’s Long Run Economic Performance”) on 23 August 2016 summarises the impact that leaving the EU could have on the Scottish economy.

The analysis shows that both Scottish GDP and tax revenues are likely to be lower in future years than if Scotland remained in the EU. This would reduce household prosperity and the funding available for the public services upon which households rely.

Analysis by the Fraser of Allander Institute confirms the risk of leaving the EU poses to Scottish households. Their report “Long-term Economic Implications of Brexit” estimates that after ten years, leaving the EU could result in average wages being £2,000 a year lower, and the number of jobs being 80,000 lower, than if Scotland remained in the EU.

The Scottish Government is committed to protecting Scotland’s relationship with the EU, including state aid rules, following Scotland’s unequivocal vote to retain the wide range of economic and social benefits membership provides. We are considering all possible steps to ensure Scotland’s continuing relationship with the EU and are engaged at ministerial and official level with the UK Government to ensure the best outcome for Scotland following the EU referendum. This will help us to shape policy going forward after Article 50 is triggered and post-Brexit.

Since the EU referendum result, Ministers have undertaken a number of engagements with EU partners. These engagements are to ensure there is awareness of the vote in Scotland for Remain in the referendum, and to explain that the First Minister has said the government is exploring all options to protect Scotland’s interests and our relationship with, and place in, the European Union.

The Scottish Government is committed to protecting Scotland's relationship with the EU, including state aid rules, following Scotland's unequivocal vote to retain the wide range of economic and social benefits membership provides. We are considering all possible steps to ensure Scotland's continuing relationship with the EU and are engaged at ministerial and official level with the UK Government to ensure the best outcome for Scotland following the EU referendum.

This means that we will continue to provide appropriate support to businesses within the state aid rules as we do for activities such as skills and training, and Research Development and Innovation.