Clydebank had the greatest house price growth in Scotland in 2023, according to research conducted by the Bank of Scotland.

The data says homes in the West Dunbartonshire town rose by an average of £18,376, or 13.6 per cent from 2022.

It translates to the average house price in Clydebank rising to £153,480 from £135,104 in 12 months.

By contrast, the figures for nearby Dumbarton from the banking group's figures make for sorry reading.

It states the neighbouring town has had the greatest fall in house price since 2022, dropping by 16.1 per cent, or a whopping -£31,827.

Simone Smith, an estate agent with McHugh's on Kilbowie Road, believes Glasgow home buyers extending their search scope as the reason for the "positive" trend in Clydebank last year.

He told the Clydebank Post: "We found both years were very positive and active periods of marketing.

"As the area provides a wide range of attractively priced homes within easy reach of the city centre, we saw large numbers of prospective buyers widening their property search area to include Clydebank, where we had a greater supply of properties at more attractive prices than the west end, Anniesland or Knightswood for example.

"Whilst the market was positive and sellers experienced some exceptional prices, the quoted 13.6 per cent increase between 2022 and 2023 does not apply across all properties.

"However, what we did see in the year up to October 2023 was an increase in the marketing and sales of high-value properties which can affect the average sale price somewhat."

The Bank of Scotland research found homes in Ayr were second behind Clydebank in terms of house price growth, with a 10.4 per cent rise equalling £21,599.

And Graham Blair, a mortgages director at the bank, explained the numbers show the two areas continue to appeal to people looking to settle in a place they can call home.

He said: “Across the UK, this year's market has been hit by the squeeze on mortgage affordability, but there's been a big difference in how house prices have performed in towns and cities across the country.

"House prices can be swayed by many factors, from the number of homes for sale, the local jobs market, and services like education and public transport.

“Buying a home in Clydebank or Ayr, for example, may well have cost more this year than it did last year, which shows Scotland’s continued appeal to homeowners, as it has some of the most affordable towns and cities across the UK, alongside stunning countryside, mountains and coastline, making it a great place to call home.”