PROSTRAKAN, one of Scotland's newest entries into the London Stock Exchange, has been named the country's fastest-growing technology firm in this year's Deloitte Technology Fast 50 list. The company, which employs 280 people at its headquarters in Galashiels, saw sales grow by 4160per cent during the five years from 2000 to 2004.

This nearly doubled the growth of its closest rival, call centre operator beCogent, which came top of last year's list.

Otherwinners at last night's awards dinner at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre included Dundeebased Axis-Shield, which took this year's life sciences award.

Total PDA, the Glasgow-based online retailer, was named Rising Star.