The Scottish Government is to invest a further £11.5m in the creation of 25,000 Modern Apprenticeships after approving its budget for 2011-12.

Meanwhile, 7,000 training opportunities for small and medium enterprises are to be made available - 2,000 more than had been proposed in the draft Budget Bill. Under the Scottish Government's plans, its measures will ensure a total of 46,500 training opportunities in a bid to help support the country's young people.

Michael Russell, cabinet secretary for education and lifelong learning, said: "This Budget does not allow our young people to become another lost generation." Elsewhere, the culture and external affairs budget will see Creative Scotland's core funding retained to promote the country's arts and culture industry.

Capital investment in new cultural attractions, such as the new V&A at Dundee, will also be continued.