THE boss of budget airline Ryanair says the independence referendum unlocked the potential for Scotland to be a huge tourism destination.

But chief executive Michael O'Leary says airline passenger duty (APD) must be scrapped to see an "enormous surge in traffic tourism and visitor numbers" in the country.

Mr O'Leary, who spoke out during a networking event hosted by Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: "It's been an incredible summer and it's not just the Commonwealth Games or the Ryder Cup.

"I think the biggest thing that Scotland did to put itself on the map this year was the independence referendum.

"You saw coverage of it all over Europe.

"I think the coverage, particularly that Glasgow has received, has helped people see a whole new image of Glasgow."

His speech came after the Irish firm announced it would fly out of Glasgow Airport for the first time, with 55 weekly return flights.

Mr O'Leary said Glasgow Airport was now "the fastest growing airport we have in terms of the speed of our forward bookings".

He said during the next five to 10 years, Ryanair would become "the biggest airline in Scotland by far".

rachel.loxton@eveningtimes.co.uk