The Scottish property market continues to buck wider UK housing market trends again this month as ESPC reports an increase in properties brought to market and the average selling price of homes across east-central Scotland compared to last year.
According to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, overall business confidence - measured as an average of economic optimism and business prospects, - remains unchanged at 29% in July.
The proportion of people from ethnic minorities and migrants starting their own firms has risen sharply since the financial crisis, at the same time as more modest increases among white people and life-long residents.
A new tax relief came into force in Scotland on 30th June that will help first-time buyers purchase their first home.