The number of Scots out of work rose by 2000 during the last quarter despite a UK-wide fall, according to figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS).

During the period from July to September, Scotland's unemployment rate rose by 0.1% compared to the previous quarter from April to June, bringing the national jobless total to 4%.

The country maintained a lower jobless rate than the UK as a whole despite the small rise.

The UK-wide total declined by 0.2% to 4.3%. Scotland was one of the only part of the UK to experience an increase in the unemployment rate.

A total of 109,000 people in Scotland aged over 16 are now unemployed.

Over the last year Scotland's jobless total decreased by 0.8% and compared with the rolling three-month average from June to August it is also down 0.1%.

More positive news was to found in the employment statistics also released by the ONS.

They showed the number of Scots in work also increased by 2000 over the quarter and Scotland also had a higher employment rate than the UK average.

Scotland's employment minister Jamie Hepburn said: "These latest employment figures are encouraging and show Scotland has higher employment rates and lower unemployment rates than the UK with 88,000 more people in employment compared to the pre-recession peak."

He added: "However, the lack of clarity from the UK Government on Brexit poses the biggest threat to our economy and we will continue to call on the UK Government to give people and businesses greater certainty."

Scottish secretary David Mundell said: "It is encouraging to see Scotland's employment remaining close to record highs seen earlier in the year.

"However, the slight rise in unemployment is disappointing and shows there can be no complacency as we tackle Scotland's economic challenges.

"With growth in Scotland continuing to lag behind the rest of the UK, I urge the Scottish Government to use their considerable economic levers more effectively."