Massive demand for new literary sensation Fifty Shades of Grey has led to Amazon taking on more staff in Scotland to ensure that orders can be processed and parcel deliveries completed efficiently.

The online retailer has recruited more workers at its distribution depot in Gourock, Renfrewshire, the Sun reported.

First published in June 2011, Fifty Shades of Grey is an erotic novel and the first instalment in a trilogy that continues with Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed.

Famous for its explicit scenes and descriptions of an array of sexual activities, the book follows the story of a young female college graduate who enters a relationship with a billionaire businessman.

It has become the fastest-selling paperback of all time, surpassing the Harry Potter series by shifting more than 31 million copies worldwide.

The film adaptation rights to EL James' novel have already been acquired by Universal and Focus Features.

Commenting on the retailer's response to the surge in demand for the book, an Amazon spokeswoman said: "When we have seen a fluctuation in demand for products, we have hired additional temporary associates to ensure we continue to offer a great shopping experience for all our customers."

The company opened its Gourock distribution centre in 2004 and takes on hundreds of extra seasonal staff to handle the Christmas rush every year.

A £2.5 million grant from Scottish Enterprise last year allowed Amazon to boost its presence in the region by employing 200 additional workers.

The Fifty Shades trilogy currently tops the retailer's bestsellers list and the success of the franchise has boosted demand for erotic fiction in general, with titles such as Bared to You, Haven of Obedience and The Bride Stripped Bare also featuring in the top ten.

Keen readers who regularly shop online and use parcel delivery services will also find everything from biographies to crime thrillers in Amazon's books section.

Author:  Adrian Medland