A Scottish food firm has become the latest employer to sign up to pay staff the living wage.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon visited ice cream producer Mackie's of Scotland near Inverurie in Aberdeenshire as the company revealed its plans.

It comes after it was announced earlier this week the living wage is to increase from £7.85 an hour to £8.25 - well above the national minimum wage of £6.50 for adults.

The Scottish Government has set the target of having at least 500 living wage accredited employers by March next year.

Ms Sturgeon said after the visit on Monday during Living Wage Week: "A happy and motivated workforce is a crucial ingredient to a successful business and Mackie's has put employees at the heart of their work.

"The firm is a Scottish success story and its commitment to staff is clearly demonstrated in their pledge to become living wage employers.

"The Scottish Government is keen to see more businesses follow the good example set by Mackie's and sign up to become living wage employers and help tackle low pay."

Managing director Mac Mackie said: "As a family business going back to 1912, we know that our people are our most important resource and our company would simply not survive without them. Paying the living wage helps attract new talent and keep the good people we find with us.

"Our 68-strong team all work incredibly hard to make our award-winning products, so it's crucial that, as a business, we are doing everything we can to make their jobs as rewarding and enjoyable as possible."

In addition, the company - which also produces crisps and chocolate - signed up to the Scottish Business Pledge. It is a partnership between Government and business to improve productivity, workforce engagement and enshrine fairness.

It becomes the 140th firm to sign up to the pledge since it was launched in May.