IRVINE MSP Ruth Maguire fears Brexit could have a "deeply damaging" effect on her constituency.

The Cunninghame South politician has raised concerns about the economic impact of the European Union vote on Scotland following Scottish Government analysis.

The research showed that leaving the EU could cost the Scottish economy as much as £11.2billion per year by 2030.

It also highlighted Scotland’s public finances could fall by as much as £3.7 billion per year, are further evidence that in order to protect jobs and livelihoods across Cunninghame South, Scotland’s position in the EU must be maintained.

Speaking this week, Ms Maguire said: “This analysis by the Scottish Government makes it perfectly clear why it is absolutely imperative that Scotland’s position in the EU is secured. If not, then it is obvious that jobs, investment and growth will be threatened.

“To see that up to £11.2 billion could be lost from Scotland’s economy every year is very worrying indeed – and shows how unbelievably misguided the Tory government’s plans are."

She added: “Cunninghame South benefits massively from Scotland’s membership of the European Union, opening up markets and making it easier for businesses to invest in our skilled workforce. This research has shown that the only way to protect the economy of Cunninghame South is for Scotland to protect our relationship with the EU.

“The Scottish Government is quite rightly exploring all options in order to keep Scotland in the EU and to ensure that we are not dragged out against our will.

"It would be intolerable for this to happen, and the Scottish Government analysis shows the deeply damaging impact this would have on jobs, investment and prosperity in Cunninghame South and across Scotland.”