Economy grows 1% in the third quarter of 2021

The Chief Statistician has released statistics showing that the economy grew by 1% during July to September 2021.

Change in gross domestic product (GDP) is the main indicator of economic growth. Over the year, compared to the third quarter of 2020, the economy has grown by 7.1%.

During the third quarter output in the construction sector contracted by 1.5%,  production output contracted by 3.1%, and output in the services sector grew by 2.1%.

The second estimate of GDP for the third quarter of 2021 will be available in Quarterly National Accounts Scotland, published on 9 February 2022. The first estimate of GDP for the fourth quarter of 2021 will be published on 16 March 2022.

Background

The full statistical publication and data 

All results are seasonally adjusted and presented in real terms (adjusted to remove inflation). GDP growth in this publication relates to Scotland’s onshore economy, which means it does not include the output of offshore oil and gas extraction.

Further information on GDP statistics 

These estimates are compiled in line with the Code of Practice for Statistics