Food and drink show best results
April like-for-like sales in Scotland were up 6.7 per cent, according to the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC). However, April's figures cover Easter, which fell in March last year. Combined March and April like-for-like sales were up a more modest 2.8 per cent.

Sales in Scotland were in line with those in the rest of the UK, which were up 6.8 per cent like for like in April. Food and drink sales picked up, but the non-food sectors showed the greatest increases.

After a cold start to the month, trading increased in the second half, when there was an increase in the take up of spring and summer lines. The conditions also favoured the gardening and DIY sectors, but sales of big-ticket items were largely discount-driven. The start of Scotland's tourist season also had a positive impact.

Health and beauty products had another good month and clothing showed modest growth after months of year-on-year falls.

The Royal Bank of Scotland group chief economist Andrew McLaughlin said: 'The Scottish consumer appears to be in better fettle than we have seen for nine months, encouraged by steady growth in house prices and high employment. This strength in demand will be a comfort to retailers and will help to offset the pressures they face from rising transport costs and widespread consumer resistance to price increases.'

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