Newly filed accounts for Scottish franchised dealer John Martin Group show underlying losses were bolstered by exceptional profits from disposals.

In 2007 its pre-tax profit rose to £2m compared with £161,000 the previous year.

However the AM100 dealer noted a £3.1 exceptional profit from disposals of its Dunedin BMW and Mini outlet in Edinburgh, which when stripped out leaves an underlying loss of £1.1m.

Sales dipped to £196m from £217m, due to disposals and closure of a Kia dealership in Edinburgh.

John Martin Group's trading brands include Belmont and Murray Motor Company.