Property company Colliers International has said that the Scottish retail sector is “in a fragile state” although it is strengthening.

Approximately 70% of retail centres across the country managed to keep shop rental rates at a stable level while reducing incentives offered to new tenants, but town centres are struggling, the report said.

Colliers director Tom Johnston said: "Any sign of an improvement in the hard-hit retail sector is good news. However, these are very small changes and have, in part, been helped by tenants requiring marginally less incentives, such as rent-free periods, to commit to deals.

"We are yet to see a significant increase in retailer demand and there may be some time before there is any evidence of a tangible improvement.

"In the meantime, Scotland's retail sector as a whole remains in a fragile state. A strong retail sector is important to the economic wellbeing of Scotland and we must look at innovative new ways to encourage retailers and shoppers back into city and town centres.