Salmond and Brown set for talks

Gordon Brown and Alex Salmond will meet later in February

The first minister is to use talks with the prime minister to discuss the best way ahead for Scotland's economy.

Alex Salmond and Gordon Brown are to meet at a summit of leaders of devolved administrations later this month.

Unemployment in Scotland for the three months to December stood at 137,000 while economic growth has stalled in the face of the global downturn.

Mr Salmond and Mr Brown last met to discuss economic matters in April, in talks on the Grangemouth dispute.

A spokesman for Mr Salmond said: "The Scottish economy is facing enormous challenges, and the first minister would welcome the opportunity to meet to discuss how best we can work together to develop solutions that address these serious issues."

Labour finance spokesman Andy Kerr urged Mr Salmond to show humility when he meets the prime minister.

He said: "Alex Salmond's negative attitude is damaging Scotland. Instead of picking fights and scaremongering all the time he should adopt a mature attitude.

"The SNP should appreciate in these tough times the Scottish budget will continue to rise every year for the next three years."