A new training academy aimed at giving people the skills they need to work in the energy sector has been launched by First Minister Alex Salmond.

The Nigg Skills Academy will deliver training for thousands of workers in areas such as the oil and gas industry and the renewables sector.

The academy, set up with £915,000 in public funds, has been built at Nigg Energy Park on the Cromarty Firth. The 238-acre site was purchased by Global Energy Group five months ago.

The academy will start out as a 12-month pilot, with the aim of beginning 290 modern apprenticeships in its first year.

It aims to provide apprenticeships and general training for 3000 people by 2015 for a range of jobs including engineers, operators, riggers and technicians.