The decline of top brands continued with DVD rental store Blockbuster following HMV into administration, with the potential loss of 4190 jobs – 300 of them in Scotland. Last week camera chain Jessops closed its stores.

Now some retail analysts say the number of empty shops could double as chains and independent stores go out of business without fresh ventures to replace them.

According to retail consultancy Local Data Company, there is a vacancy rate of 14.3% of store fronts in Scotland – 20,000 empty shops.

Mitchell, who is serving a 20-year sentence for killing Jodi Jones, is thought to be the first serving prisoner to release a video online in a bid to win his freedom.

The 24-year-old was convicted of murdering his 14-year-old girlfriend in Dalkeith, Midlothian, in 2003 after one of the most lengthy trials in Scottish history.

He has always maintained his innocence, and is shown in the video – posted on the Luke Mitchell Is Innocent website – answering questions and denying he was responsible for Jones' death.

Watch the video below.