Renewable energy and low-carbon projects have been given a £26m boost from the Scottish government.

Finance Secretary John Swinney announced the funding would be part of the £105m package of economic stimulus announced last month.

It includes a £16m cash injection for renewable energy projects.

Smaller sums of money will go, among other things, to Arnish Yard on Lewis in the Western Isles, where marine renewable energy devices are built, help roll out low-carbon buses across Scotland, and replace ageing glasshouses at the Royal Botanic Gardens.

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Mr Swinney said the upgrades would boost a green economy and help people enjoy green Scotland.

He said: "Scotland's astounding natural resources are recognised throughout the world, and I am pleased that this funding will support a suite of projects which will help us to take proper advantage of these resources to deliver economic growth for the Scottish people. Careful stewardship of Scotland's resources has allowed us both to identify funding for these capital projects, and to ensure that Scotland's environment will continue to be an economic and natural asset to be enjoyed for generations to come."

But the announcement was not without a stab at the UK government, who according to a spokesperson have not responded to repeated requests for capital investment north of the border.

Mr Swinney said: "The Scottish Government is determined to act to secure the future of this country in the face of Westminster economic neglect."

(NE)