MSP Kenny Gibson has welcomed news that spending in Scotland on enterprise and economic development per head now stands at more than double the UK level.

New analysis released by the independent Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) shows that in 2013-14 spending in Scotland on supporting businesses and the economy was £196.90 per head compared to £82.30 in the UK as a whole.

Almost 80 per cent of the spending in Scotland came from the SNP Government and its agencies.

Cunninghame North MSP Kenneth Gibson said: “These figures show that the SNP Government is committed to supporting and growing our economy, despite year-on-year cuts to our budget imposed by successive UK governments.

“While the Tories have scrapped Economic Development Agencies in England and will cut Department of Business spending by 53 per cent over the next four years, the SNP Government is supporting businesses, helping them explore new markets and fostering innovation.

“Almost 100,000 businesses are now supported through the Small Business Bonus Scheme, ensuring that we continue to have the most competitive business rates regime in the UK.”

He added: “We will continue to support Scotland’s businesses, create jobs and grow our economy.”