As many as 60,000 green jobs could be created in Scotland as a result of investment in the renewable energy sector, it has been claimed.

Speaking at Aberdeen Asset Management's Conference to leading figures in the financial assets management sector, first minister Alex Salmond called for infrastructure spending to help create the new green jobs.

"It is crucial that our business leaders understand both the challenges and opportunities climate change presents so that we can work together to ensure a positive future for our economy, environment and society," he said.

According to Duncan McLaren, chief executive of Friends of the Earth Scotland, the country's massive renewable energy prospects make it a natural location for new green energy businesses and jobs.

"But the government must not focus on renewables alone," he claimed.

Mr McLaren said that many more green jobs - including those for skilled labourers - can be created by energy saving, especially by improving buildings to cut energy waste.

"Still more can be created with more support for waste reduction and recycling, and for public transport," he added.

The global low-carbon economy is estimated to be worth as much as £4.3 trillion by 2015, with forecasts suggesting that the 60,000 green jobs in Scotland could be created by 2020.

Posted by Dan Smith