The number of Scots in work has increased by 75,000 over the last year, figures have revealed.

Official statistics show that over the period July to September a total of 2,547,000 people were in employment, an increase of 16,000 on the previous quarter.

The employment rate in Scotland has now risen for 10 months in a row, with 72.8% of the population in work, compared to 71.8% in the UK as a whole.

But the figures also revealed there had been a small increase in unemployment. The number of people who are out of work, including those not eligible for benefits, was 199,000 in July to September - up by 1,000 on the previous quarter.

The unemployment total is still 20,000 less than the same period in 2012.

The number of people out of work and claiming jobseeker's allowance also fell, decreasing by 2,800 between September and October to stand at 118,900 - with this new total 21,400 lower than last October.

The Scottish unemployment rate continues to be below that for the UK as a whole, at 7.2% north of the border, compared to 7.6%.

The figures were welcomed by both the Scottish and UK governments.

Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael said they were "encouraging news for Scotland" while Finance Secretary John Swinney said Scotland continued to outperform the UK in a number of key areas.

Mr Carmichael highlighted the fall in the number of Scots who are out of work and claiming jobseeker's allowance, which is now at its lowest for more than four and half years.

The Scottish Secretary said: "The number of Scots claiming jobseeker's allowance has fallen by 21,400 over the past year and is now at its lowest level in over four and a half years. That should be welcomed.

"Employment in Scotland has also increased by 75,000 over the last twelve month and has risen by a total of 111,000 under this government."

But Mr Carmichael stressed: "The small increase in unemployment over the last three months, and the recent events at Grangemouth and at the shipyards on the Clyde, are stark reminders there can be no let-up in our efforts to stabilise the economy and secure jobs for the future.

"It is important that we stick to our plans so we can support the economy as it makes a balanced recovery across all sectors.

"Many of the indicators including falling inflation and the most recent GDP figures show our efforts are working."

Mr Swinney argued the increase in employment showed action from the Scottish Government was proving successful.

The Finance Secretary said: "Scotland is continuing to outperform the UK on key measures of employment, unemployment and inactivity.

"This is the tenth monthly release in a row to show continued improvement in employment rates as we support more people into work.

"This consistent growth in employment shows that the policies of the Scottish Government to create jobs and boost the economy are making progress.

"Unemployment rates have fallen over the past year and the number of people claiming jobseeker's allowance has fallen to its lowest level since February 2009."

The unemployment rate among 16 to 24-year-olds in Scotland is now 20.9%, with 56.6% of young people in work.

This means Scotland has a lower youth unemployment rate and a higher youth employment rate than the UK as a whole.

Mr Swinney said: "Youth unemployment remains a challenge, however our youth employment rate is ahead of the UK as a whole, with the number of young people in employment continuing to rise."

He added: "We are doing all we can to promote employment in Scotland but our progress remains at risk from the policies of a Westminster government with different priorities.

"I will be calling on the Chancellor to take steps in his Autumn statement and do more to support job creation, however with the full fiscal and economic powers of independence the Scottish Government could act immediately to strengthen our economy and create more jobs."