Weakest increase since March
Scottish retail sales in July showed the weakest increase since March, according to the latest figures from Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC).

Like-for-like sales rose 2.8 per cent in July and total sales were up 7.8 per cent.

The figures were down on the past three months, but up on the average for the year so far.

Scotland's performance was weaker than the rest of the UK, which saw like-for-like sales rise 3.4 per cent.

Hot weather and tourist spending lifted sales of food and drink. Cooling equipment and outdoor leisure products also performed well.

Sales of clothing and footwear suffered, while people were reluctant to venture to the shops in the heat.

SRC director Fiona Moriarty said: 'With costs rising well above inflation and the recent increase in interest rates, Scottish retailers will be hoping August sees a return to the strong sales increases of the past three months, rather than any further slow down.'