EDINBURGH has retained top spot in a ranking which identifies “hot spots” for hotel development and acquisition, writes Scott Wright.

The city came first out of 34 locations in the latest UK Hotels Market Index compiled by property firm Colliers International. The index gives a ranking after scores from five categories, including occupancy, average daily room rates and RevPAR (revenue per available room) are analysed.

While Edinburgh topped the index again, it was overtaken by London on occupancy rates. And its overall score dipped to 3.86 from 3.97 last time.

The report also revealed Glasgow moved up the ranking by three places into seventh, with a score of 3.65.

Alistair Letham, director of hotels agency at Colliers in Scotland, said: “Edinburgh hotels continue to enjoy levels of occupancy, revenues per room and investment levels that most other cities can only dream of. That said, Glasgow is clearly catching up. The Hydro has really made a difference and the city has a thriving business and conference trade.”

Mr Letham added that, while Brexit has led to an “understandable caution among investors and developers”, he was not aware of any developments in Scotland which have been postponed or cancelled as a result.