Scotland's jobless total has fallen below 200,000 for the first time since 2009, new figures have revealed.

The number of Scots who are unemployed fell by 11,000 over the period December 2012 to February 2013 - the fifth month in a row there has been a decrease.

Official figures showed there were 197,000 people out of work, including those who are unemployed and not eligible for benefits - 21,000 less than the total 12 months ago.

At the same time unemployment across the UK increased by 70,000 to 2.56 million.

The Scottish jobless rate is now 7.3%, compared to 7.9% for the UK as a whole.

As well as the fall in unemployment north of the border, the number of people in employment increased by 39,000 over the period December to February to a new total of 2,507,000.

There was also a drop in the number of people out of work and claiming jobseeker's allowance. This fell by 600 from February to March to stand at 136,600.

The Scottish Government said it is the first time unemployment had been below 200,000 since the period August to October 2009.

Finance Secretary John Swinney said it is "very welcome to see these positive trends in employment".

He said: "Today's figures show the highest increase in employment in a single quarter for 12 years with an increase of 39,000 jobs and unemployment is now below the 200,000 mark for the first time in over three years.

"Scotland now has a higher employment rate and lower unemployment rate than the UK, stronger economic growth and youth unemployment figures that continue to improve and outperform the UK."

While Mr Swinney pledged that the Scottish Government would "build on these figures for the future", he argued: "We can't allow the UK Government's economic policies to derail the positive developments we are seeing in Scotland."

He called on Westminster to provide further capital investment to help the economy - it is "imperative that the Scottish economic recovery is not blown off course by the misguided policies of the UK Government".

Scottish Secretary Michael Moore said: "Today's figures show further signs of a positive outlook for employment opportunities in Scotland and they are important news for each and every person who has moved into a job.

"There is more to be done but we should be encouraged by the increase in those moving into employment, and the Government will continue to work hard to balance the economy and get more people back into work.

"Our focus remains on supporting individuals to do so. We know that every person taking up a job helps move the economy into a stronger position for the future."

Meanwhile, ScottishPower has set out plans to create 2,500 jobs in the next 10 years.

The energy firm said it wants to take on more engineers to improve its grid network, as well as extra office-based support staff.

The new posts are dependent upon a successful regulatory settlement with watchdog Ofgem, the company said.

The "vast majority" of the jobs will be created in Scotland, with some in ScottishPower's distribution networks in Merseyside and North Wales.

This is in addition to the 1,500 Scottish jobs announced by the company last year, bringing ScottishPower's stated recruitment total to 4,000 for the next decade.

It said it hopes to give the jobs to people in local communities and a large proportion will be apprentices and graduates who will be offered training with colleges and other institutions.

The firm, owned by Spanish energy firm Iberdrola, said it has planning permission to build a 14-storey UK headquarters in Glasgow city centre.

It has also built a complex in Blantyre, South Lanarkshire which is intended to support the expanding business.

Named Ochil House, the site was officially opened by Finance Secretary John Swinney.

Ignacio Galan, chairman of both Iberdrola and ScottishPower, said: "As a global energy company, our operations are focused in the UK, US, Brazil, Mexico and Spain, with Scotland and the UK being a key focus for our investment plans.

"We are investing £4 billion between now and 2014 in the UK, representing 40% of our global investments, with two-thirds of this investment planned for Scotland.

"On the back of our long-term investment plans, we are creating 4,000 jobs in our networks business alone, which will see our company continue to grow and help to boost the Scottish economy.

"It is vital that we have the office infrastructure in place to support our teams who will be delivering this investment. We are delighted to be expanding our presence in Hamilton International Park as well as committing to remain headquartered in Glasgow, a city that has been home to ScottishPower for decades."

Mr Swinney said: "Scotland has established a global reputation within the energy sector and I am delighted that ScottishPower is expanding its Scottish operations and creating 4,000 new jobs in the next 10 years.

"ScottishPower is a global leader in the energy sector, operating in countries all over the world. The company's decision to increase its Scottish presence is testament to quality and skills of the local workforce.

"The Scottish Government recognise the substantial contribution that the energy industry makes to our economy. We are working with the industry to continue to strengthen Scotland's position as global leader in energy and this new investment marks further growth in this important section of our economy."