Scottish economic growth fell behind UK in third quarter, figures show
Scotland’s economy grew at a third of the rate of the UK last year, figures show.
Statistics published by the Scottish Government reveal the country’s GDP grew by 0.2% in the third quarter, compared to total UK GDP growth of 0.6% in the same period.
Scotland’s GDP growth was higher than the UK’s in the first quarter of 2018, although by the second quarter it was about level at around 0.4%.
The 0.2% rate of growth was revised down from the first estimate for the third quarter – which measures the period of July to September – published on December 19 of 0.3%.
The Scottish economy has seen positive growth in all seven quarters since the start of 2017. Rolling annual growth rate (Q4-on-Q4) remains at 1.5%, slightly higher then the UK rate (1.4%). Unemployment in Scotland also at a record low of 3.6% @scotgoveconomy
— Derek Mackay MSP (@DerekMackaySNP) January 30, 2019
According to the report, the biggest factor leading to the downward revision was updated electricity data being lower than originally estimated in December.
Scotland’s economy is estimated to have grown by 1.3% over the year compared to the third quarter of 2017, revised down from the first estimate of 1.5%.
Over the same period, the UK GDP grew by 1.5%.
Change in gross domestic product (GDP) is the main indicator of economic growth in Scotland.
Two estimates of Scotland’s GDP growth are now published each quarter on a faster timetable than previously available.