Scotland trailed the UK as a whole in the first quarter, but saw its growth accelerate, the latest official figures reveal.

Gross domestic product in Scotland grew by 0.4% quarter on quarter in the opening three months of this year. This expansion represented a sharp acceleration of growth from 0.1% in the preceding quarter. However, it trailed the 0.7% rise in GDP in the UK as a whole in the opening three months of this year. 

Responding to the first-quarter figures for the economy north of the Border published today by the Scottish Government’s chief economist directorate, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “It is encouraging to see quarterly growth continuing and getting stronger in Scotland - following a 0.1% rise at the end of 2024.”

Comparing the opening three months of this year with the first quarter of 2024, Scotland’s GDP was up by 1.1%. UK GDP rose by 1.3% on the same time comparison.

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Growth in the UK as a whole in the final three months of last year matched the 0.1% quarter-on-quarter expansion recorded in Scotland during that period.

In the opening three months of 2025, the Scottish services sector expanded by 0.5% quarter on quarter, production output grew by 0.3%, and construction activity was flat. The agriculture, forestry and fishing sector contracted by 0.4%. Growth in the distribution, hotels and catering, and electricity sectors made the largest positive contributions, the chief economist directorate stated as it published the first-quarter Scottish GDP figures.

Comparing the first quarter of 2025 with the opening three months of last year, Scotland’s services sector has grown by 0.9% and construction activity has expanded by 1%. Production output has grown by 2.6%, and the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector has expanded by 0.5%.

Scottish Government data published yesterday showed the nation's onshore GDP fell by 0.2% month on month in March.

Growth in Scotland's GDP in 2024 was revised up in late April from 1.1% to 1.2%. The UK economy expanded by 1.1% in 2024.

Ms Forbes today reiterated her call for the UK Government to reverse its hike in employers’ national insurance contributions.

This rise, announced in Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s Budget on October 30, is aimed at raising £25 billion a year. It came into effect on April 6.

Ms Forbes said: “Our limited powers mean we also require decisive action from the UK Government to counter the damaging economic impacts of Brexit and tackle the economic uncertainty currently being felt by business, workers and families - including the reversal of its damaging decision to increase employers’ national insurance contributions.”

She noted the SNP’s programme for government includes a six-point export plan “to help businesses tap into new markets and increase sales”.

Ms Forbes declared: “In the face of ongoing global challenges, dynamic steps are being taken to grow and transform Scotland’s economy.  

“We are pursuing new investment, building export potential and supporting innovation. Last week, the First Minister announced that US green aircraft engine developer ZeroAvia is to establish a new manufacturing base in Scotland, creating around 350 jobs.”