Explained: what GERS does — and does not — tell us about Scotland

What’s the background to the GERS figures? GERS figures were first published in 1992 under the UK prime minister at the time, John Major. READ MORE: GERS report set to show North Sea boost to Scotland’s public financesThe SNP’s Growth Commission blueprint for the finances of an independent Scotland also accepted the GERS figures as its starting point. The Scottish Government’s website says the main aim of GERS is to “enhance public understanding of fiscal issues in Scotland”. The GERS figures only relate to the economics of Scotland in the Union — its strengths and weaknesses as part of the UK.