Nicola Sturgeon is planning to take “a more direct role in global issues”, raising speculation about her plans for independence.

For the first time, her government has been registered with the US authorities as a foreign power trying to influence affairs on the other side of the Atlantic.

Calling itself the “Government of Scotland in North America”, it has also engaged a public relations agency in Washington DC to help it become “more vocal and present internationally”.

Explained: Nicola Sturgeon bids to give Scotland greater influence global issues

Scottish business quangos in the US have been registered in the same way for years, but the government’s plans are overtly political.

In paperwork filed with the US Department of Justice, it contrasts its own “progressive voice” with the Trump presidency, Brexit and “a conflicted Congress”.The Tories said Ms Sturgeon was taking the Scottish Government into inappropriate territory.

Ms Sturgeon last month spent five days in the US and Canada to promote Scottish businesses and Scotland as a place to invest, but also talked frequently to the media about independence.

Read documents in full: Government of Scotland in North America

The First Minister was also recognised by the United Nations for her work in advancing gender equality during the trip.

Opposition parties have criticised the recent overseas forays as extravagant - the North America visit alone cost taxpayers £44,000 - and as politically slanted.

Ms Sturgeon’s activity has also fuelled speculation within the SNP that she is putting out feelers for a future globe-trotting role for life after domestic politics.