Ernst & Young said it achieved the strongest rate of growth in six years in the latest period, during which the Scottish practice made a sizeable contribution.

The Big Four accountant said it performed well in the year to June, when the turnover of the UK business increased by 11% annually, to £1.6bn, although partner profits fell.

"The firm's Scottish practice made a sizable contribution to the performance of the business, maintaining its market leading position in areas including oil and gas while taking further pronounced steps in the financial services and public sector arenas," said Ernst & Young.

Asked if the Scottish practice had grown in line with the UK business, a spokesman said the firm does not break down the results for Scotland.

Ernst & Young noted it recruited more than 50 people in Scotland during the year. Employee numbers increased to 852 at 30 June, from 803 at the start of the financial year.

The practice moved to a new office in Glasgow during the year. It also has offices in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Inverness.

Jim Bishop, Scotland senior partner at Ernst & Young, said: "Increasing investment during periods of economic unpredictability has been vindicated by the contribution we have made to the continued success of the UK business; it is a long-term strategy that is paying dividends."

Ernst & Young said: "The challenges of the business environment and the continued focus on investment have resulted in a slight drop in (UK) partner profits."

Revenues increased by 8% annually in the preceding year, to £1.465bn.