Scotland’s GDP grew by 0.1% in the second quarter of 2017, increasing by a total of 0.7% since the start of the year, according to Scotland’s latest GDP statistics.

For the UK as a whole, second quarter GDP grew 0.3%.

On an annual basis, compared to the second quarter of 2016, the Scottish economy grew by 0.5%.

During the second quarter of 2017, output in the services sector grew by 0.7%, output in production fell by 0.7% and output in the construction sector fell by 3.5%.

The UK Government’s Secretary of State for Scotland David Mundell said: “The GDP figures show the Scottish economy growing, but at a far slower rate that we would like to see.

“Scotland’s economy still lags behind that of the rest of the UK, and it is more important than ever that Scotland’s two government’s work together to improve Scotland’s economy.

“The UK Government is investing in Scotland, through support to our oil and gas industry, UK City Deals and our ambitious Industrial Strategy.

“Now the Scottish Government needs to use the considerable levers they have to increase Scotland’s prosperity.”

The Scottish Government’s Economy Secretary Keith Brown said: “Today’s figures are good news, showing the Scottish economy continuing to grow over the second quarter of this year.

“Although this is more modest growth than we would ideally like to see, it is particularly pleasing to see growth over the first half of the year in industries linked to the oil and gas supply chain, which provides more evidence that confidence is gradually returning to the sector.

“Additionally we are seeing strength in Scotland’s services sector – which is  particularly good news given that it is by far the largest part of the economy in terms of turnover, value added and employment.

“This, in addition to our record low unemployment and record high employment rates, is evidence that the fundamentals of our economy remain strong.

“While construction output continues to adjust as a number of major infrastructure projects have reached completion, it remains significantly higher than in 2014 and the Scottish Government continues to support the industry with our total planned capital investment of £4 billion in this financial year.

“However, I want to be clear that the single biggest threat to our economy as a whole remains the lack of clarity from the UK Government over Brexit.

“I would once again call on the UK Government to give people and businesses greater certainty over the Brexit process in order to further stimulate growth in Scotland’s business communities and allow us to continue to attract and retain talent within our workforce.”