First up in the chamber this afternoon we have Portfolio Questions and, this week, it is the turn of environment, climate change and land reform ministers to answer questions from MSPs. 

This will be followed by a Scottish government led debate on the Brexit vote and its impact on Scotland. 

SNP MSP Ian McKee then leads this evening's members debate concerning the disposal of nappies and the baby box scheme. 

Committee convener and SNP MSP Joan McAlpine asks about the opportunities for Scotland if the rest of the UK exits and Scotland remains in the EU.

The first minister says you always have to look to take the good out of any bad situation.

She says they will not outweigh the real downsides.

Ms Sturgeon says the implications of Brexit are so damaging we should not "give up the fight".

The first minister says EU membership is the best relationship, but EEA membership secures membership of the single market is her second choice.

Ms Sturgeon says very legitimate issues with the EU are forgotten about in the leave and remain arguments.

The first minister says there is an almost existential debate about whether we are in or out.

SNP MSP Richard Lochhead asks if there is a case for Scotland to have a bigger role in negotiations due to the good will towards it.

Ms Sturgeon says when Article 50 is triggered then it is important Scotland's position is not lost sight off and there is a strong case for Scotland to have a bigger role.

Look in detail at the results of the EU referendum, which was help in June.

Ms Sturgeon accepts there was a number of people in Scotland who voted to leave.

The first minister says the government is seeking to engage with the, including some in the fishing industry.

Lib Dem MSP Tavish Scott asks about EU countries concerned about the independence question in Scotland.

Ms Sturgeon says she is aware of different views but says the mood music is quite warm from the EU.

Last month Nicola Sturgeon called on the UK government to guarantee EU nationals living in the UK can remain after Brexit.

Scotland's first minister made her plea as she hosted a question and answer session with hundreds of EU nationals.

Image source, PA

Many were concerned about whether they would have the right to live and work in Scotland when the UK leaves the EU.

Ms Sturgeon said it was "disgraceful" that the UK had not guaranteed the right of EU nationals to remain.

Mr McMillan asks about the rights of EU citizens living in the UK will be protected.

The first minister says: "I am not optimistic."

She says until answers come from the UK government no-one can answer how far their rights will be protected.

"It is absolutely shameful and disgraceful" these questions have not been answered she says.

The first minister says it is entirely possible we will all have to apply for visas to visit EU countries.

She says we owe certainty to EU citizens here in Scotland.

SNP MSP Stuart McMillan asks what the process for Article 50 should be.

Ms Sturgeon reiterates her earlier answer and says "the argument for the House of Commons to be involved is a compelling one".

The first minister says the Scottish government must have a role in decision making.

Committee convener and SNP MSP Joan McAlpine asks about the Standing Council set up with EU experts.

Ms Sturgeon says the second meeting date will be published shortly and it is looking at the options open to Scotland.

She says the options are constrained until the UK options become clearer.

Conservative MSP Rachael Hamilton asks about staffing and funding for the new Brexit minister Mike Russell.

The first minister says Mr Russell has a team of officials and the team is still being made "fit for purpose".

SNP MSP Emma Harper asks if the Brexit negotiations could take as long as 10 years.

The first minister says the process for the UK is a long one and all of the implications are not fully understood.

She says there is "a real risk the UK is facing a lost decade or more" to the uncertainty and turmoil of Brexit.

Ms Sturgeon says emphatically Brexit has not happened, we're not even at the starting point.

The first minister says she believes the whole of the UK will be better served by remaining in the single market. 

Green MSP Ross Greer asks if the Scottish government have criteria from the UK's positioning for Brexit for mandating a second independence referendum.

The first minister says she has been absolutely clear that if the deal is bad for Scotland it would be wrong to exclude the option of a second Scottish independence referendum.

Ms Sturgeon says there has been an understanding and respect from the UK government that Scotland engages with other countries.

The first minister says she is not taking independence as the starting point of these Brexit discussions.

She says her starting point is protecting the interests of Scotland.

The first minister says again remaining a member of the single market is the priority.

Scottish Conservative MSP Jackson Carlaw says the prime minister is the head of the member state to be involved in the negotiations.

Mr Carlaw asks how Scotland can engage with EU member states given protocol.

Ms Sturgeon says she has not found the people she has met in Europe to be inhibited in speaking to the Scottish government.

There has been a very warm and welcoming approach she says.

The first minister says the only inhibition she is picking up in Europe is that they don't know what the UK position is.

SNP MSP Richard Lochhead asks if there is any indication the UK government will give its blessing to Scotland to be involved in the Brexit negotiations.

Ms Sturgeon says Scotland must be embedded in the negotiations.

The first minister says we are at a very, very early stage in the process of Brexit.

She says three months after the vote the UK government does not even have a Plan A.