Party leaders join for aircraft carrier drive

Scottish Conservative and Liberal Democrat leaders are to join the all-party drive to save the threatened aircraft carrier contract vital to jobs at Rosyth and on the Clyde.

Annabel Goldie and Tavish Scott accepted First Minister Alex Salmond's invitation to meet on Monday on the issue.

Ms Goldie said: "I think it (is] extremely important there is a robust and cogent argument presented for Scotland to the defence review."

Mr Scott said: "The Ministry of Defence must take into account the social and economic impact that military spending decisions have on local communities. Aircraft carriers being built on the Clyde and in Fife mean hundreds of jobs and vital skills for local areas."

Labour's Iain Gray will also attend.