The shares of the Scottish ports operator continue to rise as good results follow on from news of big deals. Turnover in the six months to 30 June 1999 rose 10% to £13.5m with a 13% uplift in pre-tax profits to £5.4m. Earnings per share climbed a fraction from 9.00p to 9.09p following the imposition, as expected, of a full tax charge, but the interim dividend was increased by 15% from 2.0p to 2.3p per share. The ports business, which contributed the lion's share of turnover and profits, saw higher traffic at Greenock Ocean Terminal. The most exciting development on the property side is the Glasgow Harbour joint venture with Bank of Scotland - a major project which will be many years in development. The shares are currently sitting at all-time highs.