Residential property growth in Inverness appreciated the most in Scotland over the past decade according to a new survey.

The Halifax report reveals that average property prices in Inverness rose by 195%, from an average of £51,634 to £152,244. This was followed by Edinburgh, up 178%, Arbroath, up 175%, Kilmarnock, up 170% and Alloa where prices rose by 169%.

Ross Keany, spokesman for the Bank of Scotland, said: “Although house price rises in the past ten years have not been quite as high as we have seen in England and Wales, they have still been very creditable indeed.

“But the increasing house price rises will be a big concern to first-time buyers and key workers such as firemen and nurses who must be concerned their salaries will not stretch to meet a £200,000 mortgage.”