A recent analysis of stock market trends has shown Scots companies are outperforming their UK rivals in relation to the benchmark UK index. Thanks to continued growth in sectors like engineering and energy, the Scotsi Index, a record of the leading market performers with headquarters in Scotland, rose 4.1% in 2010.

Glasgow-based firm Aggreko has been the top Scottish performer so far this year with its shares soaring 48.7%. Engineering firm Weir Group, also based in Glasgow, came in a close second after returning 46.2%.

Stuart Patrick, Chief Executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: “This is great news for Scotland, and great news for Glasgow. The UK-wide financial services industry has taken major hits over the last 12 months, however, Scotland’s economic portfolio is diverse and, as demonstrated by the Scotsi Index, other sectors such as engineering and energy are thriving. This is encouraging news and, as is very often the case, Glasgow appears to be rising to the challenge and defying the odds during a time of national economic difficulty.”