45% of Scots leaving purchases till last few days

NEARLY half of Scots will wait until the last few days before Christmas before finishing shopping for presents, a survey has found.

Research by price comparison site Money-Supermarket found that 45 per cent of shoppers north of the Border have left buying gifts until this week, with 15 per cent not planning to have completed it until Christmas Eve.

The firm said millions of “cash-strapped” shoppers across Britain were waiting for their final pay cheque of the year before snapping up last-minute bargains.

Simon James, shopping expert at MoneySupermarket.com said: “Christmas may have come round quickly for many of us. However, for those who really do leave their shopping until the very last minute, consider purchasing an online deal. Discounted weekends away, experience days and beauty treatments can make a great alternative, plus they give loved ones something to look forward to post-Christmas.”