Shop sales in Scotland have returned to pre-pandemic levels for the first time, according to new figures.
Data released today by the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) reveals that total sales last month were 0.6% higher that in March 2019.
However, the group has attributed the improvement in part to rising prices, rather than increased sales volumes, and warned that "economic storm clouds" such as rising costs and inflation remained a concern.
SRC head of policy Ewan MacDonald-Russell said March sales had flourished following the removal of nearly all Scottish Covid restrictions.
However, he added: "Whilst these sales figures are encouraging, the economic storm clouds continue to concern retailers.
"Costs continue to rise and will worsen in April as non-domestic rates bills return for many retailers.
"Rising inflation means prices are likely to continue rising, which will put immense pressure on households discretionary spending which has significant implications for many retailers."