Scotland is likely to miss out on the economic opportunities presented by nuclear energy if its government continues to oppose the creation of new nuclear power plants in the country, it has been claimed.

According to a study by PricewaterhouseCoopers, the economy north of the border could be forced to give up thousands of pounds of investment in nuclear energy as a result of the government's stance, the Times reports.

"Nuclear power is undoubtedly a thorny topic," said PwC corporate finance expert Jason McBurnie. "Scotland has much to offer - and to gain from - an expanding nuclear power industry."

He suggested the Scottish economy could end up paying a hefty price for what is a key Scottish government policy decision.

Indeed, he said the opportunities presented by nuclear are likely to spread to other sectors, such as consultancy, engineering and construction.

Meanwhile, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority has named four potential sites for the construction of new nuclear power plants in England and Wales.