Electronic manufacturing has been hit again

Analysts at the Fraser of Allander Institute believe a weakness in manufacturing will continue to hold the economy back.

Manufacturing suffered again last autumn, with electronics still the most depressed sector.

The institute's quarterly economic report said this raised concerns for the industry's future prospects.

Overall economic output in Scotland fell by 1.1% in the autumn, while UK growth fell by 0.8%.

The report said: "Despite the severe recession in electronics and manufacturing, which mainly affected Scotland, Scottish growth held up better than UK growth.

"This was due to an improved performance in key services, although financial services weakened."