Nicola Sturgeon has said her Government will be at the forefront of making the argument for keeping Scotland in the European Union.

The First Minister said it is more important than ever that those who support Scotland's membership speak out, following David Cameron's reform deal struck after marathon talks in Brussels.

The Prime Minister said the deal, agreed between leaders of the 28 member-states, gave the UK "special status".

Ms Sturgeon has previously called for the EU referendum to be subject to a "double majority" requiring the assent of all constituent parts of the UK for an exit, rather than just a simple majority across the union.

Polls have consistently shown Scotland is more in favour of remaining in the EU than the rest of the UK, and a vote to leave against the majority will of the Scottish people has been suggested as a possible trigger for another independence referendum.

Speaking after the announcement of the reform deal, Ms Sturgeon said: "The conclusion of an agreement at the European Council means the focus can now shift to the bigger and much more important matter of why our continued European Union membership is overwhelmingly in Scotland and the UK's best interests.

"For more than 40 years, individuals, businesses and communities across Scotland have experienced the many social, economic and cultural benefits of EU membership.

"These include jobs, significant investment, the opportunity for our businesses to trade across the world's largest single market, social protections like employment rights and the opportunity to work in solidarity with others across the continent to tackle pressing global challenges, such as the movement of refugees and migrants, energy security and climate change.

"It is now more important than ever that those who support Scotland's continued EU membership make the case as strongly as possible.

"The Scottish Government will be at the forefront of making that argument."

The agreement in Brussels clears the way for the PM to return to London and call a special Cabinet meeting on Saturday to endorse the deal and set a date for the long-awaited referendum, which is widely expected to come on June 23.

Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale said: "The best way to address the major challenges we face, climate change, the threat of terrorism, the migration crisis and global economic problems, is by being part of the wider European Union.

"There is a strong socialist case for staying in the EU. Working in solidarity with the other nations of the EU secures vital rights for workers and greater opportunities for our young people. We should celebrate and build on that, not walk away from it.

"Now that the Prime Minister has agreed his package of reforms and a date has been set for the referendum, those of us who back staying in the EU must get on and make the positive case for that. We must put process arguments about any deal or date behind us.

"Labour is Scotland's internationalist party. We believe working in solidarity with other nations makes us stronger. We will be enthusiastic leaders of this campaign."

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said: "Whether you are a natural supporter of the EU or prefer Britain to leave, if you are under 58, you've never been offered the chance to give your opinion at the ballot box.

"It's right to have this referendum so everyone's voice is heard.

"It's time for an honest debate and, once the votes have been cast, for the country to move forward together.

"For my own part, I believe that - on balance - Scotland's businesses do better from being part of the biggest free trade bloc in the world, and I hope the country chooses to remain."

SNP Europe spokesman Stephen Gethins said: "The fact remains that all along these negotiations have been about battles within the Prime Minister's own party at home - while meantime isolating himself and the UK in Europe.

"But the choice is now clear - and the SNP remains committed to making the positive case for remaining inside the EU, and we will do all we can to stop Scotland being taken out of Europe against our will."