GDP figures show Scotland’s economy flatlined in three months to January

Scotland’s economy flatlined in the three months to January, new figures have revealed.

The latest data from the Scottish Government showed there was no growth in onshore GDP over the period.

The services sector, which makes up the bulk of the economy, grew by 0.2% over the three months while the production sector grew by 0.1%.

However the construction sector shrank by 2% over the period, the figures showed.

Separate monthly GDP figures, however, showed that GDP grew by 0.5% in January.

That comes, though, as the monthly GDP data for December was revised down to record 0% growth, with growth for November also downgraded to show the economy shrank by 0.3%

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “It is encouraging to see Scotland’s GDP has grown by 0.5% in the month of January, and by 0.9% from January 2025.

“This follows a more subdued end to 2025 reflecting more cautious business and consumer confidence.”

The Deputy First Minister added: “Scotland’s economy grew 1.4% overall last year – more than the UK as a whole – which demonstrates the resilience and strength of our economic foundations.

“We remain committed to growing the economy by bringing investment and jobs to our shores. Thanks to conditions and policies set by the Scottish Government, recent investment announcements by Ryanair, Center Parcs and Kight Powerhub will support more than 2,300 jobs.

“However, businesses and households are facing escalating energy prices due to the conflict in the Middle East. The Scottish Government has acted immediately to deliver support through our Emergency Heating Oil Scheme. We have been calling on the UK Government to take further action, but it has been disappointingly slow to act.”