First Minister Nicola Sturgeon recently announced that the US technology firm Xilinx Inc (www.xilinx.com) is to invest £3.8 million in its specialist research centre in Edinburgh, creating 12 new jobs and protecting 30 existing ones.

The venture is being supported by a £1 million R&D grant (distributed through Scottish Enterprise).

Ms Sturgeon made the announcement as she prepared to carry out a week of engagements in the USA to promote trade and investment.

She said: “The USA is Scotland’s top source of inward investment, and Xilinx Inc is another example of a leading technology company harnessing our highly educated and skilled workforce.

“This is fantastic news for this specialist sector in Scotland, with new jobs being created and existing ones protected. It also demonstrates our strength and expertise in developing these ‘state of the art’ technologies.”

Xilinx Scotland will develop communications technologies — particularly around 5G — and aims to establish itself as a centre of excellence.

Director Colin Carruthers said that Scotland has a long history of invention and innovation. “We are very excited to be at the centre of this truly innovative research and development.

“This is a unique opportunity to define and develop the technologies that will enable next-generation wireless-communication devices.”