According to statistics announced last month by Scotland’s chief statistician, Scotland’s GDP grew by 0.8% in the first half of this year — compared to 0.6% for the rest of the UK (and ahead of the 0.7% growth forecast made by the Scottish Fiscal Commission for 2018 as a whole).

Scotland’s strong growth has been supported by the production sector, which grew by 4.6% over the past 12 months — the sector’s fastest rate of growth since 2014.

Derek Mackay — the cabinet secretary for finance, economy and fair work (www.gov.scot) — said: “The Scottish government is focused on building on the country’s strong economic foundations, supporting businesses to stimulate growth, jobs and investment.

"Our Programme for Government includes an ambitious package of measures to ensure that we are delivering for the economy of today — and ready to seize the opportunities of the future.

“With an unemployment rate of 4.1% and a higher employment rate for women and young people than the rest of the UK, confidence remains high in our labour market.

“The Royal Bank of Scotland PMI for August also shows private-sector output at a four-year high.”