Business activity in Scotland increased at its fastest rate for three months in June, according to the Bank of Scotland’s latest Purchasing Managers’ Index, which covers around 600 companies operating in both the manufacturing and service sectors.

Chief economist Donald MacRae said the report shows that the recovery in the Scottish economy “is now firmly embedded”.

He added: “Growth was evident across both manufacturing and services, with business services leading the way.

After four months of decline, new export orders stabilised, while levels of new business rose across the economy. Employment growth was accompanied by rising salaries, providing further evidence of increasing business confidence.”


Derek Mackay, Minister for Local Government and Planning at the Scottish Executive, said: “The recovery in Scotland’s economy is consolidating, with this summer’s independent growth forecasts all revised up and the pace of growth widely expected to accelerate this year.”