SCOTLAND’S First Minister said she was "fighting" for a European future as she visited Berlin.

Five years on from the 2014 independence referendum, Nicola Sturgeon was in the German capital to talk to government and business leaders.

While the UK is due to leave the European Union at the end of October, the SNP leader stressed that Scotland was an "outward-looking European nation" – as she pledged to do "everything" in her power to try to halt a possible No-Deal Brexit.

The First Minister, who is meeting the German Europe minister Michael Roth as well as members of the German Council on Foreign Relations and the German Chambers of Commerce, insisted that Scotland's "desire for continued EU membership is about far more than self-interest".

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She added: "The EU's fundamental values are ones we cherish – freedom, democracy, the rule of law, equality, and respect for human dignity and human rights.

"Scotland clearly benefits from EU membership. It is good for our businesses, our universities, and our people – who have the freedom to study, live and work across the continent.

"Scotland has also been enriched by the many EU citizens who have done us the honour of making Scotland their home."

The First Minister spoke after receiving an award from the German press for her “responsible and ethical stance against Brexit” and for being “a crucial voice of reason” in the debate over Britain’s exit from the EU.

READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon presented with German media award

She continued: "There is still a very real risk of the UK leaving the European Union without a deal. That would damage our economy and communities and I will do everything in my power to stop that happening.

"With the current Brexit deadline approaching it is important that our friends and neighbours in the EU know that Scotland remains a committed European nation and that we will continue to work with our EU nations on key issues including tackling the climate emergency.

"At a time when the rule-based international order is under threat, the EU exemplifies the benefits of co-operation and solidarity.

"For all of these reasons Scotland sees the EU as a natural home."