However, the Labour Force Survey (LFS) said the number in employment was still down 13,000 on the same period last year.

Its figures for the period from February to April showed there were 2,378,000 people in work during the quarter.

Other figures released on Friday suggested that the number of people out of work and claiming benefit fell by 1,400 in May to 102,700.

These figures are particularly impressive given the global economic challenges

Helen Liddell Scottish Secretary

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 4.1% was the lowest for 25 years.

However, the statistics calculated using the government's preferred formula showed that 25,000 more people were out of work than at the same time last year.

The International Labour Organisation figures - which include those out of work but not claiming benefits - had not changed from the previous quarter.

The ILO unemployment rate stood at 6.8%, with 172,000 people out of work in the period from February to April.

Scottish Secretary Helen Liddell said: "These figures showing an increase in employment and a fall in claimant count unemployment confirm that the long term prospect for jobs in Scotland remains sound.

Long-term joblessness

"Our policies to build macroeconomic stability and improve the performance of the labour market have ensured that unemployment in Scotland remains around the lowest for a generation and employment remains close to historic highs."

She said the government was also making inroads into long-term joblessness through the New Deal.

"These figures are particularly impressive given the global economic challenges that the Scottish and UK economies have had to face," added Mrs Liddell.

"They are proof again that this government is well on its way to achieving its goal of employment opportunity for all."