US-based internet retail giant Amazon is to create 950 jobs in Scotland.

The First Minister confirmed the details of the new posts which will come to a new warehouse and distribution centre in Dunfermline and see increased staffing at their already existing centre in Gourock.

There will also be a further 1500 temporary jobs during the peak period.

The new centre at Dunfermline will employ 750 staff, while the Gourock facility will employ an additional 200 people.

The company's permanent staff of Amazon's current centre in Glenrothes will continue to be employed at the new site, while the Gourock centre will continue to operate as usual.

Plans for the group to increase its presence in Scotland will receive financial support from Scottish Enterprise - £2 million in Regional Selective Assistance and £500,000 in training grants.

Established in 1998, Amazon offers a wide variety of products over the internet. Although initially best-known for selling books, it now also sells a wide variety of products, including films, CDs, MP3s, games, software and electronics.

The First Minister said: "Amazon has established itself as one of the world’s leading online retailers and I am delighted with its decision to expand its Scottish operations and to create 950 jobs.

"The Scottish Government, Scottish Development International and Scottish Enterprise is doing all it can to attract new jobs and investment to Scotland. Amazon’s plan to create a purpose built Fulfilment Centre in Dunfermline will create over 750 jobs and deliver a very significant boost to the local economy. I also welcome Amazon’s plans to build on their success in Gourock and to create 200 new posts.

"The company’s announcement of new investment in Scotland is a strong reflection on the success of its current operations and the skills of the local workforce. These new jobs are a welcome boost to the economy and a demonstration of Amazon’s commitment to doing business in Scotland."

Vice President of European operations at Amazon Allan Lyall, who joined the First Minister to make the announcement, said: "Amazon is delighted that its biggest UK fulfilment centre is to be built in Dunfermline. It is a great location and it has been Amazon’s priority to secure a new site as close to the current Glenrothes fulfilment centre as possible in order to preserve and transfer the entire skilled workforce with all its experience and Amazon knowledge.

"Our decision to base this major expansion in Scotland, against stiff international competition, is due not only to the excellent local workforce but to the impressive professionalism of Scottish Development International."

Councillor Peter Grant, the leader of Fife Council, said: "This is the best news possible for Fife. It is another example of partnership working between the Council and Scottish Enterprise delivering real results for the people of Fife.

"Invest in Fife will now work with the company and its developer partners to support them in developing what is one of Scotland's largest ever industrial buildings. We will also work with the national agencies and skills and training providers to assist in recruiting staff."

Amazon is the US's largest online retailer and offers separate websites for the UK, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Japan and China.

The one-million-square-feet Dunfermline centre will be built on a 39-acre site at Calais Muir South, an area which was previously owned by Scottish Enterprise and Fife Council. It will be built on land alongside the M90 near to the junction with the A92.

Work is expected to begin on-site immediately, and the facility will be operational by the end of the year.