Data released by the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) shows that June sales in Scotland are up 12.4 per cent compared to 2015. This compares to an increase in June sales across the UK of 3.1 per cent.

This upwards trajectory for builders merchants is in contrast to the wider construction sector which according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed a decrease in construction output of 0.4 per cent in Quarter 2 2016, following a decrease of 0.3 per cent in the previous quarter.

Nikki Mortimer, BMF board member and director of sales and marketing at GPH, said: “The figures released are very encouraging and suggest that Scotland is bucking the trend with an overall increase in Sales although there are clearly regional variations to consider.

“It is still too early to see the full impact Brexit might have on the Scottish economy but as a resilient industry we are well placed to meet any challenges the future may hold.”

John Newcomb, managing director of the BMF, added: “Economic and political uncertainty in the run-up to the EU referendum was expected to cause a slow-down in the construction sector. However, sales data from our builders’ merchant members is telling a very different story, particularly in Scotland.

“We are confident that our members will continue to perform strongly, and the BMF will work with the government to ensure the best outcomes for our members as the Brexit deal is negotiated.”