About 200 jobs will be created with the filming of a new American television series in Scotland.

US cable network Starz and Sony Pictures Television have chosen the country as the location for their new time-travelling drama, Outlander.

The production will make use of the UK Government's new tax breaks for high end television, with Chancellor George Osborne saying he was "delighted" the show would be filmed in Scotland.

"We want Britain to be the best place in the world to make films and TV", the Chancellor said.

Outlander is based on a series of novels by Diana Gabaldon which tell the story of Claire and James Fraser, a couple who time travel between 18th and 20th century Scotland.

The production company plans to build a new television studio and production base near Glasgow to make the drama.

It is estimated the series will employ a local crew of about 200, while an estimated 2400 supporting roles are expected to be cast from within Scotland and the rest of the UK.

Scottish actor Sam Heughan, who studied at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow and who has starred in the TV show Doctors, has already been cast in the lead role.

The UK Government announced in 2012 that film tax reliefs would be extended to high-end TV and animation productions and, subject to state aid approval, video games. Tax relief for film has already supported more than 1100 productions between 2007 and 2012.

Outlander is the latest blockbuster to be filmed in Glasgow, following World War Z, Cloud Atlas and Fast and Furious 6.

Gordon Matheson, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "This is obviously fantastic news for Glasgow, and we wholeheartedly welcome the investment and interest this new TV series will bring to our vibrant city, as well the jobs it will create locally.

"Glasgow has a rich cultural heritage in terms of its film and television history, and it's no surprise that the city has played host to an array of Hollywood blockbusters in recent times.

"To have yet another vote of confidence in Glasgow's on-screen prowess in the form of Outlander is testament to Glasgow's unique character, as well as our proactive, enthusiastic approach in terms of the support we provide to film and TV makers who wish to film in the city."

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said: "This is fantastic news for Glasgow and a testament to all the hard work done to attract the very best of TV and movie talent to the city.

"Following on from the success of filming blockbusters like World War Z and Cloud Atlas in Glasgow, the decision to base a major American TV production in my home city is yet another massive vote of confidence."

"Glasgow and Scotland has an array of stunning backdrops and I look forward to seeing them brought to life on the big screen.