Image copyright PA Image caption Junior doctors in England have been striking over their pay and conditions

Junior doctors across the UK are being encouraged to consider a career in Scotland as part of a new recruitment campaign by the Scottish government.

The campaign includes a social media campaign and adverts in medical journals.

It comes as junior doctors in England are locked in a bitter dispute over pay and conditions with the UK government.

The Scottish health secretary said junior doctors were "valued members of our healthcare team here in Scotland".

Shona Robison also said they were "integral to our continuing drive to improve care to the people of Scotland".

'Exciting opportunities'

Strike action planned in England for Wednesday could see thousands of operations, procedures and appointments cancelled, with junior doctors providing only emergency care over a 24-hour period.

The dispute centres on weekend pay and the point at which a premium rate of pay kicks in for junior doctors.

Ms Robison said: "I would encourage junior doctors across the UK and beyond to consider the exciting opportunities that the NHS in Scotland provides."

The campaign includes videos following four trainee doctors working in the Scottish NHS, as well as Scotland's top doctor, chief medical officer Catherine Calderwood.

Image copyright Scottish government Image caption The video features four junior doctors

Image copyright Scottish government Image caption The video also highlights what Scotland has to offer

These are part of the #juniordocscot social media campaign, which will run until 8 March - the deadline for submitting applications for medical speciality training places across the UK.

Ms Robison added: "These videos feature the real-life experiences of junior doctors who are working and training in our NHS right now. Their stories illustrate the fantastic opportunities for training available in Scotland - whether that is working in inner city communities or with remote and rural populations, all within a flexible and supportive training environment."

Image copyright Scottish government

Dr Calderwood said: "I am delighted to be involved in this drive to encourage more junior doctors to consider the opportunities Scotland provides for their future careers.

"I am extremely proud of the strong record we have of delivering high-quality training, as well as our fantastic academic research and development opportunities.

"The NHS in Scotland has a strong focus on continual development and improving the quality of services we provide. We aim to grow junior doctors into the medical leaders of the future - providing opportunities for clinicians at all stages to deliver the highest quality of patient care."

What is the Junior Doctors' dispute in England about?

Image copyright Getty Images

The row between junior doctors and the government is over a new contract

Talks broke down in 2014, but the dispute has escalated since the summer after ministers said they would impose the deal

Ministers offered doctors an 11% rise in basic pay last year, but that was offset by curbs to other elements of the pay package, including payments for unsociable hours - they have maintained there is not extra money for junior doctor pay

The government says the changes are needed to create more seven-days services, but the BMA warns safeguards to keep a lid on excessive hours are being weakened and also has concerns about career progression and weekend pay

The junior doctors row explained

What exactly do junior doctors do?

How does your job compare?