Subscribe to our Construction Newsfeed
Scotland Construction Directory
Search our 13,933 companies....

Construction News

21/02/2019

Scotland's GDP Could Fall 7% In 'No Deal' Brexit

Scotland's national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) could fall by up to 7% in 'No Deal' Brexit, according to a new report by the Scottish Government's Chief Economist.

The paper, 'No Deal' Brexit – Economic Implications for Scotland, sets out two potential 'No Deal' scenarios, one of which would see short term disruption to supply chains lasting for a number of months, with the second scenario looking at an extended period of disruption.

Potential impacts to the economy of these two scenarios include:

• Scotland's trade with the EU would be significantly impaired, with a potential drop in Scottish exports by 10%-20%

• Heightened economic uncertainty, which could reduce business investment in Scotland by £1 billion in 2019

• A fall in exports and overseas investment, coupled with a broader economic slowdown, could result in a 10% - 30% depreciation in sterling

• International net migration into Scotland, currently +13,000 a year, would be expected to fall, and potentially turn negative, as a result of a depreciation in Sterling and wider economic slowdown

• An economic slowdown would be expected to result in the rate of unemployment increasing to between 5.5% - 8%, from current the current rate of below 4%. The top end of this rate would be equivalent to unemployment rising by around 100,000

-- Advertisement --
NorthernAsbestosServicesLtd

• Collectively, these pressures could push the Scottish economy into recession during 2019, with the potential for GDP to contract by between 2.5%-7%

Scottish Government research has already shown that the UK Government's proposed Brexit deal could see a 6% fall in GDP by 2030, worth over £1,600 per person in Scotland.

Commenting on the publication of the report, Economy Secretary Derek Mackay said: "This paper confirms that all forms of Brexit will harm Scotland's economy and result in lower household incomes.

"People in Scotland voted overwhelmingly to stay in the EU but our interests are being ignored by a UK Government that wants to take Scotland out of the European Single Market, which is eight times the size of the UK alone.

"However, the economic harm of Brexit will be exacerbated if the UK Government decides to crash out of the EU without a deal. Such an outcome, which the Prime Minister refuses to rule out, represents a clear and present danger to Scotland's economy.

"There will be severe impacts for the economy, and for people and businesses across Scotland, under a 'No Deal' Brexit and these impacts have the potential to push the Scottish economy into a deep recession, similar in scale to the financial crash of 2008.

"When I met with the Chief Secretary to Treasury in Cardiff last week, I urged her to rule out a 'No Deal' Brexit and give me a cast iron guarantee that all lost EU funding would be replaced in full after Brexit. She could do neither.

"We will continue to call on the UK Government to immediately rule out the possibility of a 'No Deal' Brexit and extend the Article 50 process. As a responsible government we are also continuing - and indeed intensifying - our work to prepare for all outcomes as best we can. However, whilst we will do everything we can to prepare, we will not be able to mitigate all of the impacts of the UK Government's approach."

The report also sets out the regions and sectors which will see the greatest impact of a 'No Deal' Brexit, including agriculture and fishing, transport, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food and construction. However, all sectors would be negatively affected.

Latest Construction News

19/10/2026
The National Trust for Scotland has set out proposals for a new visitor centre at The Hill House in Helensburgh, progressing its strategy to secure the long-term future of Charles Rennie Mackintosh's internationally significant home as conservation work moves towards removing the award-winning prote
Read More
19/10/2026
A volunteer team from SSEN Transmission's Spittal to Peterhead subsea cable link has helped clear and reinstate an overgrown pathway at Staxigoe Playpark in Wick. Staff from SSEN Transmission were joined by key contractors NKT and Caithness-based John Gunn and Son Ltd, spending the day cutting back
Read More
19/10/2026
Amey and HMP Grampian have marked the achievements of the latest group of residents to complete industry-recognised construction training, helping them gain qualifications, develop practical skills and prepare for employment. An awards event at the prison celebrated those who finished a tailored pr
Read More
19/10/2026
Progress on the access route to the new University Hospital Monklands at Wester Moffat, Airdrie, has accelerated after North Lanarkshire Council granted planning permission and the Scottish Government confirmed its support. The council this week approved a 2.3km section in Airdrie, known as the Tow
Read More
19/10/2026
Essential drainage improvements on the A91 at Blairlogie will begin on Tuesday 20 October and are scheduled to run for five weeks. A full road closure will be in place from Manor Loan to the Blairlogie Orchard Dumyat Car Park for the duration, with access maintained for emergency services. The twin
Read More
19/10/2026
Newburgh-based KR Group has been shortlisted for two industry accolades for its role in the transformation of Macduff Marine Aquarium. The steel fabrication, cladding and sheet metal specialist is a finalist at the Façade Awards UK 2026 in the Best Use of a Rainscreen System Using Aluminium categor
Read More
19/10/2026
A heritage-led regeneration initiative in Buckhaven has secured £1.2 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, launching a five-year programme to restore significant buildings and open up new opportunities in training, skills and community activity for local residents. The Buckhaven Heritage
Read More
19/10/2026
Applications open on today, 19 October, for Irvine-based groups to bid for grants of up to £5,000. Grassroots community groups, voluntary organisations and charities are being encouraged to submit proposals that help shape the future of their neighbourhoods. Funded through the UK Government’s Prid
Read More
19/10/2026
Overnight crack-sealing works will take place on sections of the A702 between Biggar and Melbourne Crossroads over three nights from today, 19th to Wednesday 21st October 2026. Transport Scotland's operating company BEAR Scotland will carry out the programme between 19:30 and 06:00 each night. Duri
Read More
19/10/2026
BEAR Scotland, working on behalf of Transport Scotland, will carry out daytime drainage upgrades on the A84 at Straid House, south of Callander, from Monday 19 October. The scheme will run between 8am and 4pm each day and is scheduled to finish by Friday 6 November. For the safety of road users an
Read More
SEEIT3DRHP Renovations LtdWM DonnellyClyde Windows & Construction LTDLogical Insulation Solutions LimitedK A Tree SurgeryClaymore Training LimitedCross BlindsK&C LandscapesThomas Haywood Aerial Photography