A new survey has indicated that the Scottish economy has continued to recovery in recent months and is expected to record growth in the coming six months.

Bank of Scotland chief economist Donald MacRae said that the Scottish economy is expected to record growth during the entire year 2013 and is likely to continue its recovery into 2014. The Bank of Scotland Business Monitor showed that the recovery has continued through the autumn season in Scotland and this has raised expectations for the coming year.

About 37 per cent of the firms surveyed said that their turn-over had increased during the three months till the November 2013. A total of 41 per cent said that their turnover remained at the same level during the period. On the other hand, 22 per cent of the firms said that they recorded a fall in the turnover during the three months.

Mr MacRae said, "Expectations for 2014 remain high, suggesting the recovery will continue into 2014. Consolidation of the recovery would be enhanced by firms increasing investment."

Finance Secretary John Swinney has welcomed the findings and said that it is encouraging sing and the Scottish economy is expected to grow in the next 12 months.