The developers behind a £140m plan for a film studio in Scotland have had their plea for help from the Government rejected.

PSL Land limited wants to build the studio complex at Straiton to the south of Edinburgh.

The facility would be Scotland's first purpose-built film studio complex.

However, after Midlothian Council delayed its planning decision on the scheme, PSL wrote to the Scottish Government to "call in" the plans and consider them.

The request was sent to Alex Neil, cabinet secretary for social justice and communities.

However, the developers had their bid rejected.

In the reply, from the Local Government and Communities Directorate, Planning and Architecture Division, the developers were told that ministers - who have the power to call in any live planning application for determination - would only do so if the proposal "raised issues of genuine national interest."

The letter goes on: "Having considered the information available for this proposal and while noting the major potential of the proposal and the intended delivery of an energy centre and film studio forScotland; Ministers do not propose to call-in the application at this time."

The developers are now appealing the decision.

PSL Land Ltd want to build a film and TV studio and backlot complex, a hotel, film school and student accommodation, a studio tour and other features.

They believe, as well as providing Scotland with a major film studio complex, it will generate 900 jobs in the area.

The Scottish Government is pursuing, with Scottish Enterprise, its own studio plan, which is believed to favour a site in Cumbernauld, close to where the Outlander TV series is being shot.

The debate over the need for a film and TV studio in Scotland has been a long and vexed one.

The Scottish Government plan, in tandem with a private business, is said to be "at a critical stage."