The Scottish author claimed the much coveted award for her novel Day, which beat off competition from four other writers to scoop the £25,000 top prize.

Her book tells the tale of a World War Two veteran who manages to confront his past while working as an extra in a prisoner of war film.

The 42-year-old's book finished ahead of What Was Lost by Catherine O'Flynn which claimed second place.

Judge's said that Day had shown 'shadows of James Joyce' and hailed it as a masterpiece. 

Joanna Trollope, chair of the judges poured more praise on the Dundee-born writer. She said:
 
"It is a perfectly and beautifully written novel. She is an extraordinary stylist."