A high quality of life and a strong business sector have been identified as reasons people move to - and buy property in - Scotland, it has been asserted.

James Whiston, director of sales at property and estate agency firm Rettie & Co stated that the recent high performance of "big hitters" such as Royal Bank of Scotland and Standard Life, combined with a "very good" quality of life, has drawn people to the region.

He added that at the same time, some consumers may make "a lifestyle decision" to purchase a home in a typically Scottish locale - such as by a loch or in a rural location - and such a decision may be made regardless of house prices, in news that may interest those looking to purchase a new home in the region.

According to last month's Halifax House Price Index, the average price of a house in Scotland is £141,158, a rise of 14.2 per cent from September 2006.