May: Article 50 will only be triggered when there is a UK-wide approach

Theresa May underlined the importance of keeping Britain united by making her first official visit to Scotland.

The Prime Minister met First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, and said she will listen to options to satisfy Scotland's wish of keeping close ties with Europe.

ITV News' Deputy Political Editor Chris Ship reports:

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said she is determined to consider all options to protect Scotland's relationship with the EU.

Ms Sturgeon said her meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May on Friday was "constructive", adding that she was pleased Mrs May was willing to consider options raised by Scotland.

"It was very important today to get a commitment from the prime minister...to listen to options that the Scottish government brings forward," Ms Sturgeon said.

"There is an agreement that Scottish government officials will be very closely involved in discussions."

Ms Sturgeon said Scotland may have to consider becoming independent in order to protect its with membership of the EU, but insisted she would "consider all the options along the way".

Article 50 will not be brought forward until there is a UK-wide approach, Theresa May has said.

Speaking after meeting with Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Mrs May said: "I'm willing to listen to options and I've been very clear with the first minister today that I want the Scottish government to be fully engaged in our discussions.

"I have already said that I won't be triggering Article 50 until I think that we have a UK approach and objectives for negotiations - I think it is important that we establish that before we trigger Article 50."

The newly appointment British prime minister has used her "Brexit is Brexit" mantra to reassure the majority of the British public who voted to leave the EU that she is serious about negotiating Britain's exit from the bloc.

Theresa May greeted Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon as she arrived in Edinburgh on Friday.

The prime minister is to hold a meeting with Sturgeon to show her commitment to preserving the "special union" of the UK, she said ahead of her visit.

Last month, Mrs Sturgeon said a second independence referendum was "highly likely" after the UK voted to leave the European Union.