Kilmarnock topped the list, based on its cleanliness, stock and helpfulness.

Around 50,000 mystery shoppers carried out the research for shopping analyst Retail Eyes.

Professor Paul Freathy, from the University of Stirling, told The Scotsman:

"A lot of towns such as Kilmarnock have spent a lot of money on town-centre management as they know the threat they face from out-of-town retail parks."

But local plumber Ted Borek wasn't so impressed with Kilmarnock.

He said:

"Nonsense. Every third shop is a charity shop. The quality shops have all gone. If I want to shop, I head to Glasgow."