SCOTLAND could be a world leader in the lucrative sensors and imaging technology markets, an expert in the field reckons.

The new chief executive of CENSIS, the Glasgow-based Scottish innovation centre for sensor and imaging systems, Ian Reid, said: "Not many people outside the industry realise the scale of the opportunity for Scotland."

He said the country offers the ideal combination of academic expertise and a record of innovation with a good base of companies in fields like oil and gas that use sensor-based products.

Mr Reid held senior positions at QinetiQ the defence technology specialist.