The figures show output in the construction industry grew 0.8 per cent in the third quarter of 2014, compared with the second quarter of the year.

The ONS said the growth was consistent with the wider economy across which GDP grew 0.7 per cent in Q3. The figures show construction output rose 2.9 per cent year-on-year in Q3, the sixth consecutive quarter of year-on-year growth.

New housing work, which was at its highest monthly level in September since 2010, remained the driving force behind growth in the industry.

New public housing work grew 5.7 per cent in Q3, compared to Q2, and new private sector housing grew 4.9 per cent. However, new commercial work declined 3.1 per cent in Q3.

Mr Callaghan said: “It’s encouraging to see that once again the statistics from ONS confirm that growth continues within the construction industry.

“The release of the stats coincides with a particularly buoyant time within the sector as companies the length and breadth of Scotland rebound from the downturn, win new contracts, deliver on time and within budget – and importantly recruit time served staff and new apprentices, for this to become palpable it is important this recovery is controlled and sustainable.

“This latest report confirms and underpins what we in Cruden have been experiencing over recent months. Our order book is healthy, our staff numbers are growing, and we plan to press forward with the recruitment of 14-16 new apprentices in 2015.

“In terms of house building, as part of the City Legacy consortium, we were delighted by the unprecedented demand for the homes within the Athletes’ Village, particularly when the house buying market had been stagnant for such a long time as a result of the global economic downturn. Our next Cruden Homes major mixed tenure housing project will be announced within the coming weeks and we look forward to the benefits which that will bring to the local area through the creation of jobs and providing a tangible boost to the economy.”