A series of special units designed to develop Scotland's links with China are to be opened in secondary schools across the country.

The Confucius Classrooms will give pupils lessons in Chinese language and culture as a result of the country's economic boom.

The classrooms will also be used to organise trips to China and develop links with Chinese people living in Scotland.

Fiona Hyslop, the Education Secretary, who yesterday opened the first Confucius Classroom at Perth High School, said eight would be established across Scotland for use by pupils and teachers from 14 local authorities.

Perth High has already established links in China, including a long-term relationship with No 1 Middle School, Haikou. Twenty-two S6 pupils and five teachers recently travelled to Shanghai to experience the Chinese language, culture and business world first hand.

Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Angus, Moray, Edinburgh, North Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, East Ayrshire and Perth and Kinross will be the next councils to benefit from the Confucius Classrooms.

Ms Hyslop, who is to visit China next month, said: "Part of building a smarter Scotland and a thriving economy is giving our next generation the skills and awareness necessary to live, work and succeed in the globalised economy. Perth High is already well ahead and is demonstrating how schools can use these new opportunities springing up to benefit their pupils."

Bernard McLeary, chief executive of Learning and Teaching Scotland, said it was important for children to be outward-looking and have a sense of the wider world. "The establishment of the Confucius Classrooms will allow schools and local authorities across Scotland to work together to develop closer links with the world's fastest-growing economy and instil the skills needed for work and life in the 21st century."