Scotland came out on top for connectivity in the fDi European Cities and Regions of the Future Awards 2020/21, which celebrate the most successful locations in Europe for attracting investment.

Scotland was also placed in the top 10 in a number of other categories, including third for foreign direct investment (FDI) strategy.

This follows on from the publication of Scottish Development International’s figures for 2018/19, which showed that more than 10,000 planned jobs had been generated by FDI projects in Scotland — an increase of 18% on the previous financial year.

Scotland was also once again the top UK location for inward investment outside London, according to the most recent EY Attractiveness Survey.

Paul Wheelhouse, the Scottish government’s connectivity minister, said: “Scotland’s ranking as the number-one large European region for connectivity is fantastic news.

“I am extremely proud that Scotland has been recognised in this way, particularly at a time when our need to connect with the rest of Europe — and the world — has never been stronger.

“We will continue to ensure that Scotland remains connected — for our businesses, our communities and our economy.”

The awards will be presented in March at the Marché International des Professionnels de l’Immobilier conference in France, where a delegation representing Scotland’s public and private sectors will promote Scottish opportunities to the world’s biggest real-estate investors.