Donald Tusk says Scotland would

FORMER European Council president Donald Tusk has said Scotland would be welcomed into Europe “enthusiastically” if it won independence from the rest of the UK – but the process of rejoining would not be automatic.

Speaking on the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show on Sunday, Mr Tusk said he felt “very Scottish” following Brexit, adding that Scotland would be treated with “empathy” if they gain independence and look for a place at the EU table.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has signalled an intention to rejoin the European Union as a member should Scotland leave the UK, however her opponents have said there is no guaranteed access to the bloc.

On Friday, German MEP and European Greens co-president Ska Keller told the PA news agency it would be “stupid” of the 27 EU member states to veto the membership of an independent Scotland.

The comments from Mr Tusk come after a YouGov poll which showed 51% support for independence – a majority for the first time in five years.

However, a majority of Scots surveyed also said they would not like to see another vote on the issue in 2020 or 2021, but most said they would like to see another referendum within the next five years.

Mr Tusk was initially reluctant to comment on Scotland’s place in Europe, saying he would like to respect the “sovereignty” of the UK – a major issue during the Brexit campaign.

He said: “I want to stop myself from saying something too blunt.

“But sometimes I feel like I’m a Scot – I feel like I’m Scottish, especially after Brexit.

“But at the same time, I know