The jobs boost relates to blood glucose monitoring equipment

It said that about 150 jobs would be created between sites at Kirkton Campus in West Lothian and in Inverness.

The jobs boost relates to blood glucose monitoring equipment developed by J&J-owned LifeScan in Inverness, with input from J&J's Kirkton operation.

The announcement was welcomed by Enterprise Minister Nicol Stephen and West Lothian Council.

LifeScan Scotland has been carrying out research, development and manufacture of new products to assist diabetics, with Kirkton involved in "specialist aspects" of the production process.

'Growing fast'

Mr Stephen said the initiative was receiving �1.95m in government funding.

He said: "This new project is evidence of Johnson & Johnson's confidence in its Scottish workforce and further expands our excellent life sciences research and technology base.

"The life sciences sector in Scotland is growing fast and now employs more than 26,500 people."

Willie Dunn, convener of West Lothian Council's enterprise committee, said: "This is another welcome boost for the economy of Scotland's fastest-growing area."