Tartan purse thrives in recession

The Tammy Purse has seen a sharp increase in sales this year

A Scottish souvenir company has credited the recession with helping to boost sales of a small tartan purse.

Dalbeattie-based Thistle Products said its coin carrier - based on the traditional Tammy hat - has seen a sales increase of nearly 50% this year.

Director Paula Gibson said she believed the product was proving popular with people "watching the pennies".

She added that she hoped the sales figures showed it could be a good summer for Scottish tourist companies.

Thistle Products specialises in Scottish souvenirs including the See You Jimmy hat and beach towel kilt.

However, its tiny tartan purse - which has been on the market for nearly 20 years - has outperformed them all this year.

"We can only assume that it's the recession and people watching the pennies that's causing the Tammy Purse to fly off the shelves," said Ms Gibson.

"The surge in sales of the purse has really taken us by surprise."