The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is calling for the creation of a new infrastructure programme to boost local Scottish economies and jobs.

With a recent Audit Scotland report finding a third of local roads in an unacceptable condition, the organisation has urged the creation of a framework to improve and repair Scotland's infrastructure.

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Andy Willox, the FSB’s Scottish policy convenor, said: "At both the Autumn Statement and the Scottish Government budget, smaller firms want new plans to improve and repair local infrastructure – like roads and broadband.

"While mega-projects like the new Queensferry crossing are important, they need to be complemented with public works that help smaller firms service their local economies.

"Further, with £220m coming to Scotland from the apprenticeship levy, we’re looking for new efforts to boost the wider Scottish workforce’s digital skills."

(LM/CD)