SCOTLAND’S festive spending soars, with Stirling leading the pack, shelling out £1,179, 95% more than the UK average.
In a new study by debt solutions specialist PennyPlan, data reveals that Scots are set to outpace the UK average in Christmas spending by a staggering 43%, with households across the country expected to shell out around £863 on gifts this holiday season. Stirling emerges as the top spender, surpassing the national average income of £50,681 by 95%, spending an eye-watering £1,179 on gifts. East Dunbartonshire and East Renfrewshire follow closely, jointly securing the second spot with residents spending £1,150 on Christmas presents.
The top 10 areas in Scotland that spend the most at Christmas include Aberdeenshire, Midlothian, City of Edinburgh, East Lothian, West Lothian, Moray, and Perth and Kinross. Stirling residents, with an average income of £50,681, only need 17 days to save enough for their festive splurge.
Conversely, West Dunbartonshire emerges as the most frugal, with an average household income of £34,933. Despite a lower income, residents will save for approximately 25 days, spending 67% more than the UK average, totaling £1,010 on Christmas gifts.
Inverclyde, Renfrewshire, North Ayrshire, and Argyll and Bute follow as the areas with the lowest Christmas spending. Dundee, Na h-Eileanan Siar, Scottish Borders, Orkney Islands, and Clackmannanshire round out the list.
A PennyPlan spokesperson highlights the financial stress during Christmas, emphasizing the importance of early savings. Despite the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, many Scots continue to surpass the UK average in festive spending, with Christmas gift expenditure increasing by 17% in the past five years.
The spokesperson advises starting savings early, suggesting that even a couple of months before Christmas is not too soon to avoid depleting bank accounts while ensuring a festive treat for all.
