JD Wetherspoon has lifted profits before tax by 4.1 per cent to £37.5 million in the first half of its current year.

But the pub giant, which has more 70 outlets in Scotland, warned that profits came under pressure from increased competition from supermarkets and increased pay and bonuses for staff.

Chairman Tim Martin underlined his view that the "biggest danger" to the industry is the tax disparity between supermarkets and pubs, and is calling for the rate of valued added tax to be cut for the hospitality industry.