The ethical bank saw its lending to the healthcare sector increase seven-fold, while loans to housing associations increased by 55%.

The bank experienced a 15% rise in lending to renewable energy to ?£79m, while lending across all sectors in Scotland increased to ?£148m, compared with ?£105.5m in 2016.

Triodos Bank has operated in Scotland since 1995 and provides funding to individuals and local communities which create positive social, environmental and cultural change.

“Scotland has always been a seedbed of social, cultural and environmental innovation, nurturing a strong arts and culture sector, a dynamic social movement and is now a hub for renewable energy throughout the UK,' said Bevis Watts, managing director at Triodos Bank (pictured above).

“We want more people and organisations in Scotland to support these sectors through using their money for positive good.

"We are a net lender in Scotland and we hope to grow the savings side of our business.'

“We've recently launched a new current account in the UK, the most sustainable personal current account ever brought to the UK market,' Bevis claimed.

“Through an interactive mobile app and website, people can literally see where we lend their money and how their money can have a positive difference.

“As we grow our savings in Scotland, we can support more Scottish businesses and charities."