North-East Coining It In

The North-East is one of Europe's wealthiest regions, according to new figures.

A report by the European Union's statistical office shows Aberdeen and it's surrounding economy has the 14th highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita in Europe.

North East Scotland’s GDP per head in 2009 was 158% of the EU average.

The UK was the tenth wealthiest member state with a GDP of 110.7%.Inner London was the wealthiest region in Europe with a GDP of 332%.

The report estimates Scotland would be the 12th wealthiest region in the EU if it was currently counted among the current 27 member states with an overall GDP of 107.9%.

However the report is not clear on how the UK would be affected if Scotland was removed under independence.

Much of the UK’s oil reserves are found in the North East of Scotland, making it one of the most economically rich areas in Europe.However the Highlands and Islands was found to be the tenth poorest region in the UK, with an under average GDP of 84.4%.

The report breaks down the 27 states into 271 regions, and only 10 of the UK’s 37 regions had a GDP above the EU average, with West Wales and the Valleys being the poorest region at 68.4%.

By Rachel Coorey