Scottish Labour has launched a mentoring programme for young activists in memory of campaigner Gordon Aikman.

Over the next three years up to 60 rising stars within the party will benefit from training as part of the Gordon Aikman Future Leaders Programme.

Mr Aikman, who had been a Labour activist and was director of research for the Better Together campaign, died early in February after suffering from motor neurone disease - a condition he raised more than £500,000 to combat.

Scottish Labour general secretary Brian Roy said the new training programme would be a "fitting tribute" to him.

Mr Roy told activists at the Scottish Labour conference in Perth: "There is one campaigner who will be on all of our minds this weekend, and that's Gordon Aikman.

"I am pleased to announce the Gordon Aikman Future Leaders Programme. Over the next three years we will train 60 future leaders in our biggest-ever mentoring and development programme.

"We will give each participant the strategic leadership, communication and community-organising skills required to be leaders of our movement."

He added: "Gordon Aikman should be an inspiration to all of us.

"I don't think there is a more fitting tribute to what he achieved in his life than to continue to inspire the next generation of leaders within our party."

Explaining why the scheme was being set up, Mr Roy said: "Gordon Aikman is an inspiration for us all.

"His commitment to making Scotland a fairer country and his fight for social justice represents everything Scottish Labour stands for.

"The Gordon Aikman Future Leaders programme will build on that spirit and commitment.

"It will provide training and support for dozens of our most talented young activists and will equip them with the skills to fight for Labour values across the country."