Scotland's economic growth fell flat during the first quarter of 2016 - registering no quarterly increase.

The region remained flat at a time then the UK as a whole registered economic growth of 0.4%.

Year-on-year, the Scottish economy expanded by a slim 0.6%.

Output in the services industry grew by 0.4% - while production contracted by 1.2% and construction was down by 1.5%.

The First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, has said last month that a second referendum on Scottish independence is “highly likely” following the United Kingdom’s vote to leave the EU.

Speaking in the wake of the seismic result in the EU membership referendum Sturgeon says the option of a second independence referendum is now on the table.

There are many people who voted against independence who are reassessing their decision in the light of vote to leave the EU, the SNP leader said.

Scotland voted overwhelmingly in favour of staying in the EU, by 62% to 38% margin, with all 32 council areas backing Remain.

“My priority will be to act in the best interest of Scotland. I’m proud of Scotland and how we voted yesterday. We said clearly we don’t want to leave the European Union,” The First Minister continued.

Scotland’s previous independence referendum in 2014 was defeated by a 55.3% to 44.7% margin.