Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie has claimed "things are looking rosy" for his party because of its "unique" position of wanting Scotland to remain in both the UK and the European Union (EU).

He insisted staying in both political unions was the best option for Scotland, accusing rival party leaders of either "giving up on Europe" or "giving up on the UK".

Mr Rennie made the claim after Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale argued it was more important for Scotland to be in the UK than to remain in Europe.

While she stressed the EU was "very important,", Ms Dugdale added: "You cannot argue, as Nicola Sturgeon often does, that Scotland's relationship with Europe is more important than its relationship with the rest of the United Kingdom - not on any measure is that the case, not least when it comes to the economy."

Mr Rennie told BBC Radio Scotland he was "disappointed the Labour Party seem to have given up on the European Union".

Speaking on the Good Morning Scotland Programme, he added: "The Liberal Democrats are almost unique now in standing up for our place in the United Kingdom but also in the European Union."

He insisted he would not prioritise one union over the other, saying: "I actually think we should be aiming high, aiming for both of them, because they are both important to us.

"I don't want to make that choice, I think we should refuse to make that choice."

Mr Rennie stated: "I think we should accept that Scotland's place, for the economy, for security, for our universities, is best in both unions and I'm disappointed that others seems to have given up so easily."

The vote to leave the EU was "one of the biggest decisions this country has ever taken", the Lib Dem said, but he argued the vote in the referendum was "about departure, but not on the destination".

Mr Rennie continued: "I think the British people should have a democratic say over the final deal when it's agreed.

"Back in June we were not told the detail, we were not told exactly what the agreement would be.

"I think it would be only right and democratic that the British people should have a say when that final detail is revealed.

"I believe we should be staying in both unions, I'm not a pessimist, I'm an optimist about our future, and I'm disappointed in all these other parties giving up on Europe, giving up on the UK."

He predicted the Lib Dems will gain seats in May's council elections as he added: "We've turned a corner, things are looking rosy for the Liberal Democrats.

"The reason why is because we're unique in Scottish politics.

"We're unique because we're in favour of the United Kingdom, strongly against independence, we're in favour of the European Union, and we're also progressive."