Scotland’s monthly onshore GDP is estimated to have grown by 0.6% in March 2026, the Scottish Government said.
This follows a contraction of 0.2% in February 2026 and contraction of 0.1% in January 2026.
Onshore GDP grew by 0.1% for the three months to March — Quarter 1 of 2026, compared with growth of 0.2% in the three months to December, according to statistics announced by the Chief Statistician.
In the three months to March, the sector with the largest contribution to GDP was retail, wholesale and motor trades, which contributed around 0.2 percentage points of growth.
Kevin Brown, savings expert at Scottish Friendly, said: “Scotland’s economy ended the first quarter of the year with a burst of momentum. Yet the bigger picture is still one of sluggish growth.
“A 0.6% rise in GDP for March is encouraging after two consecutive monthly contractions, although it was not enough to stop Scotland falling well behind the UK over the quarter.
“Strength in March despite a quarterly slump may reflect activity being brought forward by businesses and consumers anticipating higher costs, particularly after rising energy prices revived concerns about inflation.
“That leaves UK households facing an uncertain backdrop. When growth is only inching forward, pay rises, job security and consumer confidence can all come under pressure.
“For households, the priority therefore remains financial resilience. That means reviewing savings rates, mortgage deals, energy tariffs and everyday spending, so personal finances are in the strongest possible shape while the economic outlook remains uncertain.”