Output is now 0.4% below the pre-pandemic level in February 2020.

Output in the services sector, which accounts for around three quarters of the economy, grew by 0.3% in October, with increases in eight of the 14 subsectors. Growth in the health and social work subsector made the largest positive contribution to overall growth for the second consecutive month.

Output in the production sector, which accounts for around 16% of the economy, increased by 1% in October. There was growth in three of the four subsectors, including an increase of 5.6% in electricity and gas supply, which offset a fall of 1% in the manufacturing subsector.

Output in the construction sector, which accounts for around 6% of the economy, is estimated to have fallen by 3.4% in October.

In the three months between August and October, GDP is estimated to have grown by 0.7% compared to the previous three month period (May to July). This reflects a slowdown in growth during the fourth quarter so far, relative to the increase of 1% in Quarter 3 (July to September).

Kate Forbes, economy secretary, said: “The latest GDP figures show Scottish output is now just 0.4% below the pre-pandemic level of February 2020, which is encouraging news and confirms that Scotland’s economy is in a good position to seize future opportunities.

“However, we are all too aware of the impact that COVID-19 has had – and continues to have – on business and the wider economy. The emergence of the new Omicron variant and the speed at which it is spreading bring additional economic uncertainty.

“That is why the actions we have taken so far, including the latest £375 million package of financial support announced by the First Minister yesterday, are firmly focused on supporting businesses, protecting jobs and mitigating the continuing economic impact of Covid.

“Meanwhile the Scottish Government continues to call for greater financial flexibility from the Treasury to ensure we can act quickly to safeguard public health, reduce economic harm and build our recovery.”