The new Scottish headquarters of Microsoft in Edinburgh were officially opened by First Minister Alex Salmond yesterday.

Microsoft, with more than 50 employees in Scotland, has moved more from accommodation in George Street into the top two floors of the refurbished former Post Office building, Waverley Gate.

The First Minister said: "It gives me great pride to see a company with the scale, success and vision of Microsoft making this firm and long-term commitment to Scotland's economy.

"Scotland is the perfect home for a company committed to research, development and technology. As a Government we are determined to make the greatest use of our biggest economic asset - the skills of our people - while ensuring our strong tradition for enterprise and innovation continues.

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"One of the world's largest companies, Microsoft, is taking advantage of our competitive edge and sending a clear message to the world that Scotland is open for business. I wish them many years of success in their new Edinburgh home."

Raymond O'Hare, director of Microsoft in Scotland said the business is growing and it's continuing to grow in Scotland: "I think one of the key factors is that there are 1300 other companies in Scotland who are our business partners and for them this move is really important.

"This sends out a message to them of our confidence in the market place in Scotland and of our confidence in the technology industry in Scotland.

"Hopefully it is a light that they can say they can look to and say we can follow that big organisation which has kitted this place out in a way they are going to be able to use to help accelerate deals and business with their customers over the coming years."

(GK/JM)