BUSINESS confidence has fallen sharply in Scotland amid uncertainty about Brexit, research has found.

In the latest Business Barometer survey for Bank of Scotland the confidence reading in Scotland fell to minus nine per cent, from zero in July. Firms expressed lower confidence in their own prospects and in the outlook for the wider economy.

Read more: Expansion in Scottish private sector economy grinds to near halt amid broader UK weakness

Fraser Sime, regional commercial banking director for Scotland, said: “It’s evident that UK and international uncertainties are effecting the confidence levels of businesses in Scotland.”

The UK confidence reading fell to 1% from 13%.

The confidence reading reflects the net balance of firms that are positive in outlook against those that are negative.