Tourists from home and abroad flock to Scotland

SUNNY Easter weather helped boost visitor numbers to Scottish destinations at the weekend as tourists chose to spend their travel money closer to home.

Temperatures peaked at 15C near Stirling, as much of the country enjoyed what the Met Office called "average" warmth for the middle of April.

The west coast reported record-breaking trade in Oban and on the Isle of Mull as holidaymakers shunned the eurozone.

Paul Sloan from the Oban Forward tourism group, who owns a restaurant in Oban, said: "It has been our busiest weekend so far. It's been remarkable."

B&Bs and the youth hostel in the area also reported increased bookings, while Caledonian MacBrayne ferries were packed with passengers.

A spokeswoman for VisitScotland said: "Businesses across Scotland are reporting a higher number of visitors over Easter.

"A number of factors have contributed, including the current economic climate, which is making people choose to stay closer to home. The strength of the euro is also making Scotland even more attractive to Europeans and the fantastic weather has prompted people to get out and about."

The Met Office reported that good weather was likely to continue for the west coast, while the east would be cooler.