The Scottish economy grew for the ninth consecutive quarter, according to the latest GDP figures.

The latest figures show the Scottish economy grew by 0.5% in the first quarter of 2019.

Compared to the same quarter last year, Scotland’s GDP has grown by 1.4%.

Growth across the quarter was driven by the manufacturing and construction sectors, which grew by 2.6% and 2% respectively.

Economy Secretary Derek Mackay said: “With nine consecutive quarters of growth and a record high employment rate of 75.9%,  Scotland’s economy continues to go from strength to strength.

“Growing the economy is a priority for the Scottish Government and we can see from these results it is working.

“We have provided more than £5 billion of capital investment to build and modernise Scotland’s infrastructure, and a wider package of support to businesses including maintaining a competitive business rates package and providing the most generous package of non-domestic rates reliefs anywhere in the UK.

“The months and years ahead are crucial as we continue to invest in and grow the economy. However, the UK Government’s EU exit plans, in whatever form, will damage the Scottish economy.

“The Scottish Government has consistently been clear that the best option for the future wellbeing and prosperity of Scotland is to stay in the European Union. Otherwise we will see damage to our economy and the future prospects of the people of Scotland suffering.

“The growth and economic stability currently being experienced in Scotland is seriously threatened by the UK Government’s Brexit obsession. Indeed a no deal Brexit is set to take us from growth to recession.”