Scotland’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew 1.4% over 2025 as a whole, compared to 2024 — while equivalent UK growth was 1.3%.

That’s according to the latest statistics announced from the Chief Statistician.

Scotland’s GDP grew 0.1% in real terms during Quarter 4 2025 (October to December), after growing 0.3% in the previous quarter (July to September).

In Quarter 4, GDP in the UK as a whole grew by 0.1% after growing by 0.1% in the previous quarter.

In Quarter 4, 2025, services in Scotland output grew by 0.1%, production grew by 1.4%, construction contracted by 2.1% and agriculture, forestry and fishing grew by 0.1%.

Growth in the Business Services & Finance sector in Scotland made the largest positive contributions towards total GDP.

Compared to the same quarter last year, Scotland’s GDP grew by 1.2% in Quarter 4, 2025. Over the same period, GDP in the UK as a whole grew by 1.0%.

Kevin Brown, savings expert at Scottish Friendly, said: “Scotland has marginally outperformed the rest of the UK in 2025 – and in the current climate, that is no small achievement. Growth remains weak by historical standards but given Scotland’s export-heavy profile at a time when tariffs have slowed global trade, the result is pleasantly surprising.

“Much of the relative resilience reflects strength in business services and finance, which made the largest positive contribution to GDP in Q4. That underlines the importance of Scotland’s professional and financial services base in helping to offset softer external demand for goods.

“More recent PMI data shows the UK private sector output continued its rebound in February, suggesting that we could see growth pick up in the coming months. However, clearly rising trade tensions have the potential to act as headwinds for key exports such as whisky and salmon.

“With growth firming, interest rates expected to fall and inflation set to ease over the next year, there is a chance that Scottish households could finally start to feel materially better off after a prolonged squeeze on living standards.”