Scotland's construction industry is expected to grow over the next five years, according to experts.

The industry's Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) say a 3.9% growth in public housing each year is anticipated citing the Countesswells Housing Development in Aberdeen as an example.

The Scottish Government aims to build 50,000 new affordable homes by 2021.

Ian Hughes, partnership director at CITB Scotland, said: "The forecast for Scottish construction sees a stable five years to 2022.

"It is encouraging to see strong growth for housing in particular."

All sectors, apart from infrastructure, commercial and public non-housing, are expected to grow with 10,650 new construction workers needed to meet demand.

A small drop in overall employment of 0.7% per year is expected over the five-year period.

However, CITB says Scotland needs thousands of new workers because of an ageing workforce and there is a demand for supervisors, logistics and civil engineers in the trade.

Mr Hughes added: "With over 10,000 new workers needed over the next five years, there remain excellent, rewarding career opportunities in construction.

"Our modern apprenticeship programme in Scotland continues to go from strength to strength, with over 5000 apprentices currently being trained.

"We want to support firms in Scotland to take on more apprentices, to upskill their workforce, and to champion construction as a rewarding lifelong career."