SCOTTISH GDP GROWTH OUTPERFORMS UK

Commenting on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures just released, Patricia Gibson said: “These figures reveal Scotland’s economy grew by 0.8% in the first quarter of 2017, the highest rate of quarterly growth in Scotland since the end of 2014 and four times faster than the UK, which grew by 0.2%. “Despite dire predictions from the Scottish Tory and Labour parties, who seemed to relish the prospect of a potential recession in Scotland, our economy has bounced back and outperformed the UK in the first quarter of 2017. “For the first time since 2014, we are seeing a rise in output from industries linked to the North Sea and growing confidence that the oil and gas supply chain is stabilising. “These figures, coupled with record low unemployment and rising employment in Scotland are a positive reflection of the SNP Government’s investment in our future, with a £6,000 million infrastructure plan and a £500 million Scottish Growth Scheme, as well as record investment in Modern Apprenticeships and education. “Scotland’s economy remains resilient in the face of Tory austerity and a Tory Government asleep at the wheel, determined to drive Scotland towards a hard Brexit cliff edge with little analysis of what that means for our economy, jobs, investment and living standards. Of course, Labour has just rolled over and jumped on the Tories' coat tails. “The SNP is focussed on economic growth and we will continue to work hard to support it through difficult times ahead, determined to remain an open, European nation inside the world’s largest single market.” https://news.gov.scot/news/scotlands-economy-bounces-back https://news.gov.scot/news/scottish-economy-grows-0-8