The number of private-sector businesses operating in Scotland has reached a record high.
New figures show there were 361,345 businesses as of March 2015 - the highest number since records began in 2000.
Between March 2014 and March 2015, the estimated number of businesses increased by 26,090 - a rise of 7.8%.
The increase has been driven by a rise in the number of unregistered businesses - the smallest sole traders and partnerships that are not registered for VAT and PAYE.
Unregistered businesses are up by 13.2% from 168,730 in 2014 to 191,010 in 2015.
The number of registered businesses has also increased - up by 2.3% from 166,525 in 2014 to 170,335 in 2015.
Small and medium-sized businesses numbered 359,050 as of March 2015, providing an estimated 1.2 million jobs.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: "It is hugely encouraging that there are now a record number of businesses in Scotland, creating jobs, generating inclusive growth and demonstrating the overall strength of the Scottish economy.
"In Scotland's Economic Strategy we identified increasing the business base as a key driver for growth and competition across the economy, and I am pleased to see that we have made improvements in this area and we will continue to do so, supporting businesses to start and grow through Business Gateway and our enterprise agencies."
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