Plans to bring a branch of the Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum to Dundee have moved a step closer after the Scottish Government announced its support.

Ministers promised to give money towards building an outpost of the V&A, which describes itself as "the world's greatest museum of art and design".

The amount being put forward will not be confirmed until a later date.

The branch would house major exhibitions from the main London centre and showcase Scottish work.

Backers have said it would attract an extra 500,000 visitors to Dundee, create 900 local jobs and boost the Scottish economy by £5.7m.

'New chapter'

Culture Minister Mike Russell believes the V&A at Dundee could make a considerable contribution to the cultural and economic regeneration of the city.

"Dundee has made huge strides in recent years and I've been struck by the co-ordinated approach to regeneration work in the city," he said.

"This project could be a dramatic new chapter in the life of Dundee to position the city as an international art destination and a thriving centre for our creative industries.

"I firmly believe that the V&A at Dundee has great potential to enrich and enliven Scotland's cultural landscape."

The V&A project team are currently considering possible locations for a waterfront museum, and expect to choose a final site in October.

A fundraising campaign and international design competition will then take place.