Some areas have seen bills jump more than �400

The Bank of Scotland found the average increase overtook the rise in house prices and far outstripped inflation.

Since council tax was introduced in April 1993, the average bill in Scotland rose by 101% to an average bill of �925 per household.

This was significantly higher than the 36% Retail Price Index rise and the 49% increase in the price of services.

It was also larger than the 88% rise in Scottish house prices.

The increase has been higher still in England, rising by 121% to an average of �1,009, while bills in Wales have soared by 186% to around �760.

Bills diverge significantly across the country - in some cases by more than one third Martin Ellis Bank of Scotland chief economist

Council tax bills across Scotland vary quite considerably, with people in East Dunbartonshire paying out the most at �1,176 each year.

The sum is 73% higher than in the Western Isles, the area with the lowest average council tax bill in Scotland at �681.

The Shetland Islands have seen the biggest increase in the last decade, however, with a rise of 119%.

The smallest increase in council tax has been in West Dunbartonshire and the City of Edinburgh - both 38%.

Chief economist Martin Ellis said: "Council tax bills have grown more quickly than inflation in Scotland.

Highest rises

"Bills diverge significantly across the country - in some cases by more than one third and growth rates have also differed by a wide margin between local authorities."

Eight out of Scotland's 32 councils have seen an increase in council tax bill charges of more than �400 since 1996.

The increase has been largest in Stirling (�492), East Renfrewshire (�481) and Aberdeenshire (�479).