Oil and gas, its greatest strength, may also be a weak spot.

ECONOMIST: Sanctions on Iran

The strength of the oil and gas sector saw continued growth at Shetland's Sumburgh airport which recorded an increase last month of 4.7%.

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The islands' potential strength lies in their closeness to Iran's oil and gas deposits.

ECONOMIST: Iran��s little welcome mats

Further, they say that Scotland contributes to the strength of sterling, not least through the hike which oil and gas gives to the balance of payments associated with the currency.

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