Energy industries have helped keep Scotland's Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) job creation levels ahead of those in other regions of the UK.

According to research by Ernst & Young, 5926 jobs were created by FDI in Scotland last year, with logistics the biggest sector, followed by business services.

Oil and gas investment from Norway brought 420 new jobs.

It is the second year in a row Scotland has come out on top but analysts warned that talk of independence and corporation tax reform might impact on this year's figures.

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Anne MacColl, chief executive of Scottish Development International, told The Herald newspaper: "These figures are very encouraging and underline the importance of continuing to focus on attracting high-value jobs, based on Scotland's strong R&D capabilities and sector strengths which will become embedded in Scotland's economy in the long term."

She named wind energy company Gamesa, which it was recently announced will invest up to £121m in a new wind farm at Leith, as one company that highlighted "Scotland's growing reputation as a global partner of choice."

Jim Bishop, senior partner in Scotland for Ernst & Young, said no matter whether independent or part of the UK, Scotland will have to continue attracting investment from overseas.

He said: "Scotland is punching above its weight, but it must keep competing for every available dollar of investment."

(NE)