The firm produces blood and pregnancy tests

Inverness Medical Innovations (IMI) specialises in diagnostic health products, including pregnancy tests and blood clot monitors.

The Scottish jobs include well-paid research and development posts as well as opportunities in manufacturing.

Enterprise Minister Jim Wallace welcomed what he called a "world-class research facility".

The multi-million pound investment programme sees Inverness Medical establishing Stirling Medical Innovations, with backing from Scottish Executive funded enterprise body ITI Life Sciences.

This is highly significant for Scotland and is a major endorsement of what we can offer Jim Wallace Enterprise Minister

It will contribute �30m to a three-year research programme on top of IMI's �67m, to develop, manufacture and market tests for cardiovascular disease.

ITI Life Sciences will also examine how to use the results in areas such as bio-defence, veterinary care, environmental monitoring and food testing.

Ron Zwanziger, head of IMI, said: "Home-based testing in cardiology offers exciting new opportunities to patients and Stirling Medical Innovations will lead the world in developing this category."

Mr Wallace added: "This is highly significant for Scotland and is a major endorsement of what we can offer companies from around the world.

"The creation of a new life sciences research, development and manufacturing facility in the heart of Scotland is evidence that we are right at the forefront of developments within this cutting-edge sector."