A HUGE crowd has gathered outside the Scottish Parliament to mourn the country's forced exit from the European Union.

Images and videos of the Missing EU Already rally, organised by the Edinburgh Yes Hub, were shared widely on social media with the #LeaveALightOnForScotland hashtag.

SNP MPs Joanna Cherry and Tommy Sheppard are among the speakers addressing the crowd.

Organisers were also planning a candlelit vigil and a farewell march with EU flags on display.

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Meanwhile, A giant sand art display at Portobello beach outside the city read "Scotland Loves Europe", while two Scottish Government buildings, St Andrew's House and Victoria Quay, were due to be lit in the colours of the EU flag.

The flag will continue to fly at the buildings, as well as at Scotland House in Brussels, and at Holyrood after MSPs overturned a decision to take it down.

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First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said in a speech that the UK's departure from the EU would be a "moment of profound sadness" for many, and "tinged with anger" for the majority of Scots who did not vote Leave.

The day also saw External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop launch a paper covering Scotland's plans to continue working with the EU over the next five years.

While Health Secretary Jane Freeman wrote a letter to each of Scotland's health boards urging all EU nationals working in Scotland's NHS to stay.

A group of high-profile figures in Scotland meanwhile put their name to a statement condemning Brexit.

Signatories include Lord Kerr of Kinlochard, the author of Article 50, former first minister Henry McLeish, ex-Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell, and actor Brian Cox.

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Candlelit vigils are taking place across Scotland as part of a series of events marking Brexit Day.

The Leave A Light On gatherings are taking place in Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow and Stirling, among other locations, as participants send a message to the EU not to forget Scotland.

In Glasgow, pro-EU campaigners will gather at the Donald Dewar statue on Buchanan Street ahead of the official departure time of 11pm.

SNP MPs Alison Thewliss, Alyn Smith, Philippa Whitford and Kirsten Oswald are expected to attend the gathering, along with Scottish Green co-leader Patrick Harvie.

Earlier, a city landmark โ€“ the Duke of Wellington statue outside the Gallery of Modern Art โ€“ had its traditional orange traffic cone replaced by one in the blue and yellow of the EU flag.