C&C Group, the owner of Tennent's Lager, has highlighted difficult trading conditions in its core Scottish and Irish markets as it reported a 9.5 per cent drop in first half profits.

The Dublin-base drinks firm cited "legislative change" in Scotland and poor weather as operating profits dipped to €62.6 million (£45.3m) in the six months ended August 31.

The company has previously highlighted the impact of stricter drink-driving rules, introduced last December, on its performance in Scotland.

It warned such headwinds would hit profits by €10m in its current financial year.