The organizations are expected to collaborate on property and industrial business, with Bank of Scotland bringing its greater resources to bear.

Carlton, thought to be worth around GBP22 million, was formed two years ago by two well known figures in the banking sector; the financier George Magan, and entrepreneur Andrew Taee.

Peter Cummings, head of Bank of Scotland’s corporate banking arm, was quoted on the Scotsman’s online news service as saying, Carlton has reached an exciting phase in its development and I am particularly pleased by this investment opportunity.