The First Minister has congratulated Theresa May on becoming the next Prime Minister - but has asked for "early engagement" on Scotland's EU status.

Nicola Sturgeon said of May she was "determined to work with her constructively wherever possible".

But she added it was "vital that Scotland is involved and consulted at every step of the way" as the UK readies itself to begin Brexit negotiations.

May, who will become Prime Minister on Wednesday after rival Andrea Leadsom dropped out of the race, said earlier on Monday that "Brexit is Brexit" and that she planned to "make a success of it."

Commenting, the First Minister said: "I congratulate Theresa May on her success, and wish her well in what will be a difficult and demanding job. I am determined to work with her constructively wherever possible on issues of common interest and concern.

"Top of those is the issue of our continued place in the European Union, and I expect early engagement with the incoming Prime Minister on that subject as we look to maintain Scotland's EU status, in line with the democratic wishes of the people of Scotland.

"As part of her pitch to her Conservative colleagues earlier today, Mrs May made clear that she would be pressing ahead with plans to leave the EU - as such, it is vital that Scotland is involved and consulted at every step of the way."

Sturgeon added: "But that involvement does not mean we accept that Scotland should leave the EU.

"On the contrary, I have made clear that I intend to pursue every possible avenue to secure Scotland's continued place in Europe and in the world's biggest single market, and that all options must be on the table in order to achieve that.

"That is something I reiterate today to the incoming Prime Minister."

Writing for the Telegraph, Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson previously backed May's Conservative leadership campaign, saying she had the strength to "go toe to toe with Nicola Sturgeon".

Davidson has warmly welcomed May as the next Prime Minister.