High street sales rose by more than 7%, according to figures

Figures for July from the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) show sales grew by 7.4% - more than three points higher than anywhere else in the UK.

The statistics continue a trend which has seen sales north of the border outstripping the rest of the country for almost a year.

Sunnier weather at the time helped to boost sales.

SRC-Royal Bank of Scotland economists have highlighted a boost in tourists in some areas.

Increased consumer spending cheered retailers

However, fears have been voiced over whether the trend can last.

A spokesman said that retail sales should fall back slightly in the months to come as long as the housing market achieves a soft, rather than hard, landing.

Total sales for the previous period grew by more than 8%, again well ahead of the rest of the UK.

Outdoor goods such as summer sandals did not sell well but that was offset by growth in other areas.