People experiencing financial troubles across Scotland saw their personal debts increase by an average of 11.6 per cent in the second quarter of 2018, according to new national figures.

The latest Scottish Personal Debt Index shows that the average level of national unsecured debt rose to £55,438 in the three months leading up to July, compared to the previous quarter when it stood at £49,678.

The Scottish PDI is compiled by Scottish debt specialist Carrington Dean and Creditfix, the UK’s largest personal insolvency practice, following a survey of over 26,000 people across Scotland.

Unsecured debt refers to any debt that is not protected by a guarantor or asset, and includes bank loans, credit cards and payday loans.

Stephanie Chapman, managing director at Carrington Dean, said: “Spring and the start of summer can be an expensive time for people, with the added expenditure of booking holidays, purchasing summer clothing and starting DIY projects – summer spending commences a lot sooner than many people think, which could explain this increase in debt levels.

“The increasing reliance of borrowing money through pay day loans and credit cards is a worrying trend, especially if it continues in the next few months.”

Despite the concerning figures, Stephanie reveals there is a positive to the statistics: “Although people are now coming to us with more debt, we should take comfort in the fact that they are accessing financial help in the first place.”