Scotland's high streets are the best performing of all UK regions according to the latest figures from the  Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC).

Data for April from the SRC and Springboard shows the footfall in Scottish retail outlets increased for the first time in nine months.

Scotland's footfall saw an increase of 0.7% while the UK average was -0.5%. The town centre vacancy rate also dropped to 9.8% last month, down from 12% in January, meaning Scottish vacancies are now below the UK average of 10.2%.

David Lonsdale, SRC director, said the news was positive, but retailers need to make sure more shoppers translate into better revenues.

"The resumption of growth in shopper footfall after nine months of decline is positive and bodes well ahead of the publication of our retail sales data for April," he said.

"The challenge will be for retailers to convert that into an enhanced performance at tills. It appears those retail destinations which benefited from rising footfall were the ones which offered consumers a 'day-out' experience when shopping."

The figures also show Scotland's high streets were the best performing of all UK regions, with an increase of 1.8%. Retail parks also saw an increase - with growth of 1% - but shopping centre footfall fell by 1.6% in April.

The re was caution about the numbers however, which are measured against last April

Diane Wehrle, marketing and insights director for Springboard, said: "The context over the past two years is critical here, as the significant drop in footfall in April last year means that Scotland's footfall is still at a lower level than in April 2017.

"The superb weather over Easter clearly delivered a boost to coastal towns and historic cities across the UK which are magnets for domestic and overseas tourists, both of which saw footfall rise in April."