The government has pledged its commitment to keeping nuclear weapons in Scotland.

Despite the global economic crisis and continuing credit crunch, Defence Secretary John Hutton confirmed plans to dedicate billions of pounds to the Trident nuclear submarine programme.

As part of his visit to Scotland, Mr Hutton joined servicemen aboard a nuclear submarine at the Naval base.

Mr Hutton said Faslane was a "vital part of our country's defence" as home to Britain's nuclear deterrent.