The future of over 200 jobs at a Scotland’s largest life sciences company has been secured.

Inverness-based Lifescan is to benefit from a £2million from the Scottish Government.

The money will support the manufacturing of the firm’s innovative new product for monitoring blood glucose.

The money is part of an £11.1million investment and safeguards the future of 223 jobs while creating nine new posts.

Lifescan’s new testing strip system will be manufactured for use worldwide.

Making the announcement in Inverness Finance Secretary John Swinney said: "LifeScan's decision to manufacture this new product in Inverness is a major vote of confidence in Scotland's world-renowned life science industry.

"It safeguards more than 200 vital jobs for the Highlands economy, creates new posts and gives staff the opportunity to showcase the excellence of Scottish life sciences on a global stage.

"The life sciences sector in Scotland is one where we are already making a significant impact on the international stage, and the development of this product in Inverness will only further enhance our growing reputation in this area."

In a further boost for the company, a Research and Development grant of £313,000 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) will safeguard a further 12 jobs in 2009 and ensure that LifeScan's base in Inverness.

Lifescan Managing Director said: “I would like to say thank you, on behalf of LifeScan, for the interest shown in our company and for the valuable investment in this important new product development."

Chairman of the HIE William Roe, said: "LifeScan's appetite for collaborative research and development and consistent drive to deliver innovative products to a world market make it one of the most ambitious businesses in the Highlands and Islands economy.

“Through this grant award HIE recognises LifeScan's capacity for continued expansion and ability to positively influence the region's health science cluster."