Russia reversed its position on Scottish independence after Scots voted against Brexit, it has been claimed.

A new report on Kremlin election meddling alleges Russian activists once carried out pro-independence "disinformation campaigns" online.

Russia reportedly switched sides after Scotland voted to stay in the European Union in June 2016.

The dossier published this week by a group of US senators alleges Russia has tried to weaken the EU by backing separatist movements.

It warns the campaign for Catalan independence is a "growing target" for the Kremlin.

"Before Brexit, Kremlin-linked disinformation campaigns were pro Scottish independence," the report says.

"But after the UK decided not to be in the EU, and many voters in Scotland indicated a desire to stay, the Kremlin changed its stance to anti Scottish independence."