A “defence dividend” from a UK Government strategy will provide a “real boost” to the economy north of the border, the new Scottish Secretary has insisted.

Douglas Alexander welcomed the new Defence Industrial Strategy, which is being backed with £250m of UK-wide investment.

That cash will go on UK Defence Growth Deals – which Defence Secretary John Healey said would build on the strengths regions already have – with Scotland expected to share in the cash.

The new Defence Industrial Strategy comes in the wake of a £10bn deal which will see warships for the Norwegian navy built in Glasgow.

PA Media

Ministry of Defence spending is already said to support more than 11,000 jobs in Scotland, and the UK Government hopes its “pioneering scheme” will help to “unleash potential” from businesse

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