Prospect of Scottish gold finds

The project aims to get underway later in 2007

An exploration company has been given the go-ahead to search for gold and silver in several parts of Scotland.

Alba Mineral Resources said it would be examining the extent of deposits at four locations in Perth and Kinross, Argyll and Aberdeenshire.

The company said it was taking forward the plan after being awarded exploration licences by the Crown Estate Commissioners.

Access negotiations with land owners are still taking place.

Explorations are expected to get underway later in 2007, although the project is at an early stage.

The four locations are south of Aberfeldy and around Glendevon, both in Perth and Kinross, at Kilmelford in Argyll and at Arthrath in Aberdeenshire.