The average credit card bill in Scotland has soared to nearly £6,600 as more Scots struggle to meet payments during the recession.

According to figures from the Guardian Financial Group (GFG), the average Scot is in debt of £6,598 on their credit cards with additional arrears on loans, which are also up £1,649 since April.

And with Scotland having the third highest average level of credit card debt in the UK, 64 per cent of Scots admitted that they have no “pay back plan” to pay off their debts.

The figures also revealed that Scots are unlikely to share their debt troubles with their partners compared to others elsewhere in the UK.

79 per cent admitted keeping their financial debt problems a secret from their partners.

Gary Forrest, CEO of the GFG said: "The shocking increase in average levels of personal debt is taking its toll.

Over half of adults in the UK with these debts report being actively worried. Some are losing sleep. And only 23 per cent have told their partner about their debts.”

The group is now calling for credit card providers to take on more responsible lending.

Forrest added: "We call on credit companies to be much more responsible lenders. Putting up interest rates is definitely not the way to go about it. Average credit-card rates have increased disproportionately over the last six months."