after voters here emphatically backed remaining in the EU

while a majority across the UK voted to leave.

Diverging trends are putting unprecedentedly strain

on the three century old political union

between England and Scotland.

Many voters here who back to Scotland

to stay in the UK in a referendum

less than two years ago

are deeply dismayed at the prospect of being forced out of the EU.

With cross party backing in the Scottish parliament

first Minister Nicola Sturgeon

is launching a diplomatic campaign

to secure Scotland's European status

"This is not a statement I wanted to make,

The Scottish government didn't seek a referendum

on our membership of European Union

and we certainly did not want this result.

Scotland spoke clearly for remain.

I am determined that Scotland's voice will be heard."

Ms. Sturgeon said she's ready to consider all options

but she's warned that a second independence referendum

is highly likely.

"Based on the very clear result in Scotland:

If we were to be removed from the EU,

it would be against the will of our people.

That would be democratically unacceptable.

It is for that reason that I've said that everything must be on the table

to protect our place in Europe,

including a second independence referendum."

In an impassioned speech at the European parliament

Alyn Smith of the Scottish National Party demanded that the Scotland should be allowed to stay

And it won a standing ovation from sympathetic fellow MEPs.

"Monsieur Nicole, do not let Scotland down now."

(clapping)

But whether EU leaders in member states will be willing to accomodate Scotland

is highly unclear.

As is the likely level of support for Scottish independence

if another referendum is called.

Much may depend on how the UK Brexit negotiations go.

This drama is just beginning.

Mure Dickie

Financial Times, Edinburgh