An aerospace engineering and research unit at Glasgow University has been officially opened.

The National Wind Tunnel and Testing Facility in Maryhill is the university’s hub for aerospace engineering research, development and teaching.

Minister for business and energy Fergus Ewing MSP opened the facility at an event on Wednesday.

A series of research projects set to get under way at the unit will help to create greener, faster and safer transportation, as well as new technologies for renewables and infrastructure.

Further projects, funded by the European Space Agency, will help to develop spacecraft capable of exploring the cosmos.

Mr Ewing said: "I am delighted to be here to open the upgraded wind tunnel facilities at the University of Glasgow.

"This follows the launch of our manufacturing action plan for Scotland last week – a plan based on a commitment to raising productivity through increased investment and innovation and a long-term partnership between government, industry, our enterprise agencies and other key stakeholders.

"These facilities are a prime example of the type of initiative that can be supported through this partnership approach."

Professor Konstantinos Kontis, the university's chairman of engineering, said: "The university has a proud history of innovative aerospace engineering and the official opening of our wind tunnel and testing facilities marks the start of an exciting new chapter for us."