Marine energy cash made available

Nicol Stephen made the announcement at an event in Beijing

Wave and tidal energy developers are being encouraged to apply for cash under the Scottish Executive's £8m marine energy programme.

The fund, which is open to applications for four weeks, will support projects deploying devices at the European Marine Energy Centre in Orkney.

The move was announced by Deputy First Minister Nicol Stephen at a renewable energy conference in Beijing.

He said it would keep Scotland ahead in the world's renewable energy drive.

"Scotland can be the renewables powerhouse of Europe and has the potential to export our research and technology across the world," he said.

"We are making tremendous progress in Scotland towards our own targets."

Several Scottish firms are showcasing their technology at the Chinese event.

Mr Stephen said: "Scottish companies have the skills and the industrial expertise to help meet China's renewables ambitions."