A pharmaceutical company is investing around £100m in its Scottish operations that is expected to create up to 200 jobs.

GlaxoSmithKline is investing in its manufacturing sites in Scotland as part of a pledge to put more than £500m into its UK presence.

Part of the funding will go to the company’s site in Montrose, Angus, towards manufacture of materials for respiratory medicines, as well as to aid the production of chemical agents used in vaccines to help stimulate the body’s immune system.

At GlaxoSmithKline’s base in Irvine, North Ayrhsire, part of the £100m investment will be spent on increasing its production capacity for antibiotics.

The firm’s chief executive Sir Andrew Witty said: “The introduction of the patent box has transformed the way in which we view the UK as a location for new investments, ensuring that the medicines of the future will not only be discovered, but can also continue to be made here in Britain.”

GlaxoSmithKline said it anticipated that the investment would result in between 100 to 200 jobs being created at the two Scottish sites over the next few years.

Scottish Secretary Michael Moore welcomed the news for Scotland.

He said: "The £100m investment in Irvine and Montrose is fantastic news for these communities and our life science sector.

"Ayrshire and Angus have a proud track record in making life-enhancing medicines and vaccines. This is a massive vote of confidence in their highly skilled staff."