A buyer has been found for Prestwick Airport, six months after it was put up for sale by the Scottish Government.

Transport secretary Michael Matheson MSP confirmed a "preferred bidder" had been chosen but refused to disclose their identity.

The loss-making South Ayrshire airport was officially put up for sale in June, after ministers bought it for £1 in 2013.

Matheson said: "We made clear in 2013 that the Scottish Government intended to return Glasgow Prestwick Airport to the private sector when the time was right.

"We were pleased that the opportunity to buy the business, set out in the Official Journal of the European Union, attracted considerable interest.

"Following careful consideration of the bids received, I have accepted a recommendation made by TS Prestwick HoldCo to appoint a preferred bidder.

"To protect the integrity of the process I am not able to disclose the identity of the bidder at this time but we remain satisfied that good progress is being made in the interests of the business.

"I will update parliament further in due course."