Scotland could be set for a new "world class" TV and film studio in Cumbernauld, it has been announced.

Culture secretary Fiona Hyslop revealed on Wednesday that a private investor is expected to submit a planning application to significantly enhance existing production facilities at Wardpark Studios.

The investment in the current facility in Cumbernauld would create a TV and film studio complete with six sound stages, production offices, ancillary spaces and a back lot.

It already comprises 48,000sq ft across four sound stages and has been used for the production of the first and second series of award-winning Scots drama Outlander.

Plans to expand the studio to provide an additional 30,000sq ft across two new 50ft high sound stages have been the subject of negotiations between its owners Wardpark Studios Limited and the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and Creative Scotland.

While a deal has not yet been finalised, Wardpark Studios Limited’s decision to seek planning consent is a firm indication of the site owner’s commitment to the project. It is expected the planning application will be submitted to North Lanarkshire Council later this week.

If the negotiations reach a successful conclusion and planning permission is granted, it will pave the way for the facilities at Wardpark to be completely overhauled.

Three new funds totalling £4.75m were introduced in 2015, building on the record £24.1m of public funds awarded to support the screen sector in 2014/15.

In an update to the Scottish Parliament’s economy, energy and tourism committee, Ms Hyslop confirmed: "Wardpark Studios Limited’s decision to seek planning consent for new studio facilities in Cumbernauld marks an important milestone in our work to strengthen the Scottish screen sector."

David Smith, director of creative industries at Scottish Enterprise, said: "The company’s plans remain at a critical stage of consideration.

"But I believe Wardpark Studios’ decision to apply for planning consent to increase the size and scale of the existing facilities in Cumbernauld illustrates their long-term commitment to operate world-class studio facilities in Scotland."

Terry Thomson, chairman of Wardpark Studios Limited, said: "Our existing facility has been a major success for Scotland, attracting Sony’s award-winning historical drama Outlander’s first and second series.

"We want to enhance the existing four sound stages with a further two stages to expand and grow productions using the facility. With each production using the site, the benefits to the local and national economy are increased, reaching far beyond simply the studio and deep into the supply chain."