A Fife-based packaging firm has taken over a rival pallet manufacturer in a multi-million pound deal.

The Scott Group has bought Marlaw Pallets, based in Airdrie. The aquisition brings the firm's total workforce to 1,150 employees.

It also gives the Scott Group an estimated annual turnover of about £123m. The company began 20 years ago in Rosyth with just four employees.

It said there will be no job cuts following the takeover.

Since 1998, the firm has made 27 acquisitions in the packaging sector and now makes 38 pallets every minute.

Great Growth

Managing director John Scott was just 18 when he took over the company after his father died. At the time, in 1987, the annual turnover was just £96,000.

Mr Scott said: "The growth of the Scott Group has been an incredibly exciting journey."

The group now has 30 manufacturing sites across the UK.

They are now planning to expand the company into Europe.