Scientists researching ways to improve the health of Scotland's livestock are to receive £10 million in government aid.
The Roslin Institute in Midlothian has been awarded the funds to help develop an international livestock improvement centre.
Professor David Hume, director of the institute, said the investment would help keep Scotland at the forefront of international livestock research.
The Roslin Institute is situated on Edinburgh University's Easter Bush Veterinary campus.
Its pioneering work won the centre international fame in 1996 when a team led by Ian Wilmut created Dolly the sheep, the first mammal to be cloned from an adult cell.
Cloning has enabled the creation of genetically modified animals for breeding. Researchers at the institute were responsible for producing chickens genetically modified to prevent them spreading bird flu to other birds.
Finance Secretary John Swinney confirmed extra funding of nearly £20 million for a number of further and higher education projects, including the Roslin Institute, in a statement to Parliament on December 19.
Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "The Roslin Institute is one of the leading animal science research centres in the world which benefits farmers both in Scotland and internationally.
"Attracting capital funding for new infrastructure and creating employment opportunities in Midlothian is a key objective of the Easter Bush Research Consortium, of which the Roslin Institute is a part.
"This investment should benefit all members of the consortium and will help to create a fantastic resource for Scotland and the world."
