Scottish companies can lead the world in the development of green technology, whilst helping Scotland achieve its ambitious targets on climate change, Finance Secretary John Swinney has said.

Mr Swinney was speaking ahead of today's visit to Allied Vehicles, an innovative Glasgow based manufacturer in electric vehicle technology.

He said: "Allied Vehicles is a great example of the opportunities that exist for Scottish companies to capitalise on a greener future. New markets for lower carbon energy products alone are estimated to be worth over £300 billion by 2050 – that represents a real opportunity.

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"We are a country that has a proud history of invention and Allied have led the way in the development of sustainable transport – they are at the forefront of electric vehicle manufacturing in Scotland."

Later this week the government will be announcing details of the Saltire Prize and bringing before Parliament what Swinney describes as the "most ambitious climate change legislation anywhere in the world."

"If we are to meet these challenges and achieve our 80% emissions reduction target, we all must radically overhaul our approach to travel," he said.

(GK)