A memorial garden to the victims of the Piper Alpha disaster has been given £100,000 towards its upkeep.

The money was announced by First Minister Alex Salmond shortly before the 25th anniversary of the tragedy in which 167 people died.

"Piper Alpha remains the world's worst offshore platform disaster and no Scot who is old enough will ever forget hearing the news and seeing the horrifying images from that night in July 1988," Mr Salmond said during a visit to the garden in Hazlehead Park, Aberdeen.

"A huge amount of fundraising has already been done by families, the oil and gas industry and the local community to restore the memorial garden.

"The Scottish Government's donation of £100,000 will be used to help maintain the garden in years to come, ensuring it serves as a permanent tribute."

The money was donated to the Pound for Piper Memorial Trust using funds seized under proceeds of crime legislation.

Carol Banks, who set up the trust, said: "The aim of the trust was to do something positive to help honour the memory of those affected by Piper Alpha and their families, and raise enough money to make the memorial gardens a place for people to reflect, contemplate and remember.

"This generous donation will go a long way in ensuring the gardens are maintained for years to come, long after the rededication service marking the completion of the restoration work on 6 July."

Shaun Liddle, a trustee who accepted the donation on behalf of the charity, said: "We've received an incredible amount of support, both financially and in spirit, from a wide variety of organisations and people from across Aberdeen and Scotland. We're thrilled the Scottish Government has pledged this very generous amount which takes us even closer to reaching our ambitious target of £1 million."

The Piper Alpha disaster happened on July 6 1988 when the North Sea oil platform was destroyed in an explosion.