Scotland may have begun 2013 showing signs of growth, with increased output and a rise in employment.

Growth was highlighted by the Bank of Scotland's Purchasing Managers Index (PMI), which showed the highest figures generated for six months.

The good results are in contrast to poor performance from the UK which saw a drop in employment figures.

A Scottish government spokesman said: “Business growth and investment will be key to securing economic expansion over the coming year and in this spending review period we are investing £10bn in capital projects, building homes, schools and facilities to support the economy.”