The Scottish First Minister (SFM) Nicola Sturgeon has held talks at two Tata Steel plants on the future of Scottish steel.

The talks took place at plants in Dalzell and Clydebridge.

Ms Sturgeon spoke with the workforce and management following the announcement earlier this week that Tata Steel intended to mothball the site, putting 270 jobs at risk.

The First Minister agreed that the firm would work with the Scottish Government's taskforce to seek the continuation of steel manufacturing on the sites by identifying a buyer that would retain the jobs.

In addition, she announced that modern apprentices employed on site would have their off-the-job training guaranteed should there be a gap in their employment.

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It was also announced that Business Minister Fergus Ewing would make a statement on the steel industry to the Scottish Parliament as soon as possible following recess.

Ms Sturgeon said: "The announcement that the steel plants at Dalzell and Clydebridge are to be mothballed has been extremely distressing for the workforce and it was important for me to visit the sites today to hear first-hand their perspective on this difficult situation.

"The quality of the work done at these sites is outstanding and it is clear that all of the workers have a great deal of pride in what they do. During my visit, I was struck by the determination of everyone on site to keep these plants open and I was able to reassure them that the Scottish Government will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to help them do that.

"I firmly believe that there is a future for steel manufacturing in Scotland and nothing I have seen today has diminished that opinion. Together with the workforce, unions and others, the Scottish Government will continue to take every action to secure the future of this industry."

(LM/MH)