Benefit to charity is clear

Scottish retailers gave £18.1m to charity last year, according to new figures.

The Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) published its fourth annual report into charitable giving by the sector on this week.

This year's figure brings the cumulative amount raised since the first report was published in 2016 to £59.2 million.

John Brodie, SRC chairman, said: "This report demonstrates the values that make retail such a crucial part of Scottish society.

"These are not businesses who only care about the bottom line; but recognise their wider responsibility to society and want to deliver for customers and colleagues.

"Despite the challenges facing both the industry and the wider economy, the retail industry continues to fundraise, volunteer, assist and provide facilities to make a real difference to communities across Scotland."

Hundreds of charities, good causes and community groups from across Scotland have benefited.

The report is made up of data from 31 Scottish retail brands.

Public Finance Minister Kate Forbes said: "Scotland is a country known for its generosity and with this new report our business sector has once again been shown to have a big heart, too.

"This kind of support allows our third sector to carry on with the vital work that it does to provide support to those who need it most."