Scottish first minister Alec Salmond has performed the official opening ceremony at Central Insurance Service's gleaming new £3 million headquarters in Aberdeen.

It follows a management buy-out (MBO) of the firm, which guarantees its independence.

The move to the building in Westhill from the city centre where the company fist opened for business 30 years ago, in combination with the MBO, is part of a long-term strategy designed to ensure Central's continuing growth while at the same time remaining in local ownership.

Iain Henry, managing director of Central, said that they were there "for the long haul" and the move would ensure independence "for at least another 30 years".

Mr Salmond said: "These impressive new headquarters provide a great working environment for the 70 members of staff working for CIS.

"The financial services industry is vital to our plans to build a Celtic lion economy in Scotland and we are committed to providing the industry, and growing independent companies like Central Insurance Services, with the support needed to flourish."

Central Insurance offers a range of business and commercial insurance services.

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