According to the latest quarterly survey of the membership of the Scottish Building Federation, members are at their most confident since the beginning of the economic downturn.

In the first quarter of 2014, the percentage of firms who are more confident about their prospects for the next 12 months compared to the past year has increased from 41.1% last quarter to 51.6%.

Unlike England the recovery north of the border is not be driven by housing alone. Instead there has been strong growth in infrastructure driven by Scotland ambitious road, rail and bridge building plans and gains in commercial building.

Following a nine-point drop in the final quarter of 2013, the latest survey shows industry confidence has rebounded to +20, its highest rating since 2008.

Scottish Building Federation Managing Director Vaughan Hart said: “This is the first time that the percentage of companies more confident about the future outlook for their business compared to the last year has risen above the 50% mark.

“At the same time, it is important to keep these results in perspective.

“Recovery across the different sectors of the industry remains mixed.

“While there has been strong growth in infrastructure and private commercial activity, housebuilding remains flat.

“The challenge now must be to ensure the recovery is sustainable in the longer term.”

He warned: “Industry confidence needs to reach a point where companies have the confidence to invest long-term in rebuilding skills and capacity. I am not convinced we have reached that point yet.”