SCOTLAND'S deficit fell to £13.3 billion for 2016/17 amid an increase in oil and gas revenues, according to new figures.

The Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland (GERS) statistics show a deficit of £13.3 billion when a geographic share of North Sea revenues is allocated to Scotland.

That amounts to 8.3% of Scottish GDP, compared with the overall UK deficit of £46.2 billion - 2.4% of UK GDP.

North Sea revenue rose from £56 million in 2015/16 to £208 million, reflecting an increase in total UK oil and gas revenues.

The figures also show Scotland's onshore revenues increased by £3.3 billion.

According to the latest report, Scotland's deficit fell by £1.3 billion from 2015/16, down from 9.3% of GDP to 8.3%.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "Scotland's economy remains strong. In the last quarter, our economy grew nearly four times faster than the UK and the number of people in employment is at a record high.

"These figures reflect Scotland's finances under current constitutional arrangements. However, they show that our investment in key industries, such as the life-science sector, is providing a real boost to our onshore economy. By continuing to invest in key sectors, we will ensure Scotland remains a productive and competitive country.

"The lower oil price had an impact on North Sea revenues and the wider economy last year. However, it is encouraging to see an improvement in the overall fiscal balance and that onshore revenues grew at their fastest rate in nearly twenty years.

"However, our long-term economic success is now threatened by Brexit, which risks reducing household incomes, employment and funding for public services. That is why we continue to press for the Scottish Government to have a direct role in Brexit negotiations."

The figures also show that Scottish public sector revenue, including an illustrative geographic share of North Sea revenues, was estimated as £58 billion - the equivalent of £10,722 per person and about £312 per person lower than the UK average.

Meanwhile, public spending in Scotland totalled £71.2 billion.

This is equivalent to 9.2% of total UK public sector expenditure, and £13,175 per person, which is £1,437 per person greater than the UK average.

Finance Secretary Derek Mackay said: "It is encouraging that our fiscal balance improved by nearly 10% last year. It is important to also recognise that ONS analysis shows that Scotland performs ahead of Wales, Northern Ireland and several English regions, and in line with the UK average outside of London and the South East.

"Meanwhile, evidence also points to signs that confidence is increasing among North Sea operators, with the sector set to remain an important part of Scotland's economy for years to come."

Scottish Secretary David Mundell said: "These figures from the Scottish Government are a cause for concern, and show clearly there is still much to be done to improve Scotland's economy.

"They also highlight the value of pooling and sharing resources around the UK. Being part of a strong UK has protected our living standards, and that's one reason the people of Scotland clearly rejected Nicola Sturgeon's plan for a second independence referendum at the election.

"Scotland's deficit is falling at a slower rate than the UK as a whole and economic growth is lagging behind. It is vital we grow the economy and we want to work with the Scottish Government to achieve that."