SCOTLAND'S high streets and shopping centres enjoyed their highest footfall levels since 2012 last month, according to the latest figures.

The Scottish Retail Consortium said footfall rose by 5.2% in April, higher than any UK region outside Northern Ireland. The late Easter holidays and bids by retailers to attract shoppers have been cited as reasons for the "upbeat and promising set of results".

But the figures come with the warning that only sales data will prove if footfall is translating into cash.

David Lonsdale, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said: "This is an upbeat and promising set of results, buoyed by the timing of this year's Easter break and by the efforts of retailers in Scotland through pricing and promotions to attract shoppers into our towns and shopping centres."