NEW Union Flag plaques are to appear on infrastructure funded by the UK Government, ministers have announced, in a move dismissed by the SNP as a "silly gimmick".

In Scotland the labels will be seen mainly on broadband cabinets, the green roadside cases housing phone and internet connections.

Across the rest of the UK, they will appear alongside major infrastructure projects such as a roads and bridges.

The plan was devised by the Treasury and Cabinet Office to mark the contribution makde by taxpayers' towards key schemes.

It will be unveiled by Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander during a visit to the south west of England today (Monday).

The Lib Dem Highland MP said: "I've prioritised infrastructure in this government because only long-term investments will support UK businesses and get the public finances and economy on a firm footing.

"It's only right that we recognise the contribution of the UK taxpayer in supporting this economic growth, which is why I'm delighted to launch these Union Jack plaques, which will proudly adorn infrastructure investments from roads in Cornwall to broadband in Caithness."

Infrastructure spending is devolved to the Scottish Government, so Union Flag plaques will be relatively rare North of the Border.

In addition to broadband cabinets, they will appear on some energy schemes, such as wind farms, which are subsidised by the UK Government.

Stewart Hosie, the SNP's deputy leaderr and Treasury spokesman said: "Putting a sticker on projects is a silly gimmick by Danny Alexander and his Tory bosses, which can't cover over the fact that his government at Westminster has slashed infrastructure spending - destroying jobs and delaying economic recovery - including cutting Scotland's capital budget by a quarter.

"Despite this, the Scottish Government is delivering over £11 billion of investment over the three years to 2015/16.

"Instead of the huge cuts imposed by Danny Alexander and the Tories, people across the UK would prefer more infrastructure investment, and fewer gimmicks."

The UK Government rejected suggestions the move was intended to increase support for the Union.

A Treasury source said: "If this was about propaganda, we would have done it last year."

A Scottish Government spokesman said there were no plans to place Saltire plaques on projects funded by Holyrood.