BANK of Scotland said it has beefed up its commercial banking operation in Glasgow and western Scotland with two senior appointments.

Richard McKay has been appointed business development director for the mid-markets division with responsibility for raising the bank's profile and increasing its market share in the area.

The division works with businesses with annual turnover of between £25 million and £700m.

Also, Andy Seaton has joined the commercial banking team as a relationship director. Pete Flockhart, area director for Glasgow and the west of Scotland, said Bank of Scotland wanted to increase its capability to help clients deliver their strategic plans in response to the improvement in the economy and increased confidence among businesses.

He said: "We've seen a step change in activity across our business in 2014 and we are pleased that we've already been able to support a number of clients with increased funding packages."

Mr McKay said: "With positive signs for growth and encouraging forecasts for continued economic recovery throughout 2014, it is a promising time for financial services,"

Mr McKay was previously relationship director for the mid-markets division.

He joined Lloyds Banking Group, which owns Bank of Scotland, in 2006 to work in acquisition financing.

Mr Seaton has over 35 years experience in banking. He joined the commercial banking team from Bank of Scotland's business support unit, where he did restructuring and recovery work with a portfolio of its Irish customers.