First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has revealed plans to create a skills academy to support the manufacturing industry in Scotland.

The Centre of Excellence for Manufacturing and Skills Academy is part of the government's plans to boost the sector within the country.

Speaking ahead of a visit to Glenhead Engineering in Clydebank, Mrs Sturgeon said the industry supports around 190,000 people.

The Centre aims to stimulate innovation, improve productivity and increase investment in the Scottish manufacturing sector.

In addition, the government will work alongside Enterprise Agencies and other public bodies to:

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• Assist companies to assess the benefits of investing in advanced manufacturing technologies and equipment.

• Create momentum for more industry-led innovation and encourage and support more manufacturing businesses to invest in product, process, service and workplace innovation.

• Support manufacturing SMEs to keep pace with technology and process development by working in partnership with industry to deliver a Smarter Manufacturing Excellence Programme.

Mrs Sturgeon said: "This Plan will reaffirm our commitment to grow and invest in the sector and to ensure its long-term competitive future.

"We will outline ways to help businesses better access, exploit and keep pace with new technologies and opportunities, further support Scottish companies to achieve supply chain excellence, and promote innovation.

"These actions will enable the sector to improve productivity and business performance, providing a better long-term future and enabling it to compete internationally."

(LM)