Commenting as GDP figures are published which show the Scottish economy contracted by 0.4% between October and December last year, Liberal Democrat Finance spokesperson Jeremy Purvis said:

“For the SNP to try and claim these are somehow positive figures for Scotland is insulting to the Scottish businesses who continue to struggle.

“We desperately need more direct support for businesses through our Regional Development bank proposals. This form of grotesque gloating from the SNP is pathetically out of touch.”