According to the Bank of Scotland index, house prices in Scotland since the start of 2005, have risen faster than anywhere else in the UK. Consequently the average Scottish house price is now over £100,000 for the first time.

Research shows that house prices have increased by more than 6% between January and March. Over the past year, prices have gone up by almost 23%.

The largest rise to the cost of a house was in Bellshill, where prices rose by 46%. Second was Irvine (45%), followed by Coatbridge (42%) and Motherwell (38%).

Group Economist for the Bank of Scotland Tim Crawford commented: "Scotland has been one of the best house price performers in the UK and the pace of Scottish house price growth is stronger than a year ago. However, over the rest of 2005 we do anticipate a slowdown in the pace of house price growth as affordability constraints see demand ease."