More Scots starting up their own businesses
There has been a big increase in the number of people in Scotland starting their own business, figures have shown.
The number of new businesses registered with Companies House rose to 30,263 last year, a 19% increase on the 2012 figure of 25,500.
The statistics were collated by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in Scotland.
The Scottish government has estimated that more than 340,000 businesses were operating in Scotland last year.
That was the highest since records began, it said.
'Celebrate and support'
Glasgow was the top area for new business start-ups with 1,515 new companies being registered in the city's G2 postcode area.
The E3 postcode in Edinburgh - taking in Stockbridge, the West End and Tollcross - had the second highest number of registrations with 1,277 and Leith (EH6) ranked third with 918.
FSB Scottish policy convenor Andy Willox said: "From Inverness to Kirkcaldy, Dundee to Paisley, Scots are being swept off their feet by the idea of becoming their own boss.
"The Scottish economy has had its ups and downs over the last few years - and many people will have decided to start up on their own because their circumstances changed.
"However, no matter what led to these new businesses starting up, Scotland needs to celebrate and support our latest entrepreneurs."
'Lifeblood of economy'
Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael said: "It is good news to see the number of new businesses in Scotland growing.
"We have a proud tradition and history of entrepreneurship in this country and it is encouraging to see that this spirit of Scottish entrepreneurship is continuing to inspire ambitious Scots to set up their own business."
SNP MSP Dennis Robertson said: "The fact that over 30,000 businesses were set up in Scotland last year is a positive one and helped contribute to the record number of businesses operating in Scotland in 2013.
"Small businesses are the absolute lifeblood of our economy and create vital job opportunities, which is why it is so important that they are supported as fully as possible."