Pubs say Euros failed to lift worsening trade

Hello and welcome to our daily digest of business, financial and economic news from around Scotland.

1. Almost two thirds of Scottish pubs have said trading is poorer than last year — despite the football-related uplift of Euro 2024.

Sixty-two per cent of businesses surveyed told the Scottish Licensed Trade Association that, so far, 2024 had been worse than last year.

They said customers were generally spending less and leaving earlier, and that their costs had continued to rise.

Fifty-eight per cent believe the downturn is likely to last throughout the year, while only 52 per cent have maintained their opening hours.

The Market Insights survey has been running for a decade and takes in responses from outlets throughout the nation.

Colin Wilkinson, the