Scotland at cutting edge with lasers

The laser industry is worth more than £600 million to the Scottish economy, a report has revealed.

A study found the sector employs around 3,000 people in Scotland and that 82 companies are working in the field north of the Border.

It concluded that Scotland is in an "enviable" position, having a "highly successful" industry backed up by a strong research base. The report was launched at an event at Glasgow Science Centre, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the laser.

It found that the laser industry contributed 660 million to the Scottish economy last year.

The figure covers direct sales of lasers and the sale of products which need lasers in order to work.

The report said: "This value has grown sequentially since the 1960s as lasers have gone on to facilitate an ever wider range of products. Scotland's laser industry is a key part of a booming worldwide business."

The study was being unveiled this evening by Enterprise Minister Jim Mather.