TOURISM spending has reached record levels in Scotland, with the “truly extraordinary” figures bringing a welcome boost for the country’s economy.

International tourist spending soared to more than £500 million between April and June this year – the highest second quarter figures ever recorded.

The increase has been linked to Scotland being seen as a secure destination in light of terrorist attacks elsewhere in Europe, as well as improved exchange rates and better connectivity to the country’s airports.

The figures, published by the Office for National Statistics, also revealed an overall increase in overseas visitors and spending in the first half of 2016.

VisitScotland chief executive Malcolm Roughead said: “It is positive to see that Scottish tourism is continuing to perform well in the first half of 2016 with an increase in both visits and spend year on year.

“And the news that, in the second quarter of the year, international visitors have broken through the £500m spend barrier for the first time ever is truly extraordinary.

“In a period of global political and economic issues and uncertainties, it is heartening to see that Scotland has been able to enjoy continued growth and we must credit all those who work hard in the industry day in and day out to ensure our country stays high on visitors’ ‘must experience’ list.”

He added: “With greater airline connectivity than ever before, award-winning food and drink, outstanding accommodation and exciting new attractions, things are looking remarkably good for Scottish tourism”.

The statistics show that while visitor numbers dipped by 7.5 per cent year on year in quarter two, spending reached £540m compared to £493m in the same period in 2015.

Visitors from Europe spent £276m in the three months –making up more than half of the overseas expenditure.

Professor John Lennon, director of Glasgow Caledonian University’s Moffat Centre for Travel and Tourism Business Development, said a number of factors were driving the increase.

He said: “The currency at the moment, the exchange rates on the euro and the dollar are making the UK and Scotland more economical for visitors.

“Scotland is also seen as a relatively secure destination, we haven’t had the atrocities that have been seen in other parts of Europe. People are concerned about security and safety and so are avoiding certain destinations and making other choices instead.”

Mr Lennon added that the increase in expenditure will have had a “very positive impact” on the whole economy, with industries such as retail and transport benefiting greatly.

He predicts that the growth will continue in the short to medium term, but the threat of Brexit could cause problems.

The Scottish Tourism Alliance said the results demonstrated the industry had shown “determination and resilience” in the face of challenges and uncertainty.

Marc Crothall, chief executive for the tourism group, said: “The latest statistics are very encouraging and this should offer confidence to the industry at this uncertain time that we can continue to perform successfully as Scotland’s main economic driver.

“Tourism like other sectors faces many challenges and every tourism business in Scotland must now focus on our growth priorities and markets to allow Scotland to be as competitive a destination as it should be.”

Tourism Secretary Fiona Hyslop added: “It is encouraging that overseas tourists are spending more when they visit Scotland.

“External factors continue to present challenges for our tourism sector in a competitive international market.

“However, our industry, which employs 217,000 people is resilient and continues to thrive.”