Select Committee · Scottish Affairs Committee

Promoting Scotland Internationally

Status: Closed Opened: 21 Jul 2022 Closed: 17 Jan 2024 8 recommendations 6 conclusions 1 report

The Committee recently conducted an inquiry into Promoting Scotland Internationally. Its report, published on 13 September 2023, can be read here . Read the call for evidence for more detail about the inquiry.

Clear

Reports

1 report
Title HC No. Published Items Response
Eighth Report - Promoting Scotland Internationally HC 625 13 Sep 2023 14 Responded

Recommendations & Conclusions

5 items
1 Conclusion Eighth Report - Promoting Scotland Int… Accepted

Scotland's international brand requires balancing traditional attributes with modern strengths.

Scotland benefits from having a distinctive brand identity which is an advantage on the international stage. For many, “traditional” attributes of the Scottish brand such as tartan, golf and its history are still resonant. These remain important hooks for creating interest in or drawing international visitors to Scotland. However, the …

Government response. The government describes its existing efforts to promote Scotland internationally, including a 'Four Nations Festival of Flavours' event and the structure of DBT Scotland's sector experts which aligns with Scotland's diverse and modern economic strengths.
Scotland Office
9 Recommendation Eighth Report - Promoting Scotland Int… Accepted

Require UK Government to clarify its strategy for engaging the Scottish diaspora internationally.

In response to this report, the UK Government should clarify: • what activity is currently undertaken by embassies to engage with the Scottish diaspora, for example in countries in which that diaspora has a sizable presence; • what role the UK Government intends to play in future in developing closer …

Government response. The government clarifies that embassies currently engage the Scottish diaspora through cultural events and intends to continue developing these connections. It is committed to discussing collaboration with the Scottish Government to further engage the diaspora.
Scotland Office
11 Recommendation Eighth Report - Promoting Scotland Int… Accepted

Enhance FCDO training for embassy staff and promote regular meetings on Scottish interests

The FCDO should enhance its programme of training for relevant embassy staff at all band levels to improve the knowledge base of UK officials of the Scottish market and industry landscape, as well as the current priorities of the UK Government in relation to promoting Scotland internationally (considering the recommendation …

Government response. The government detailed existing training programs for Heads of Mission, regular briefings by DBT Scotland, and encouragement for HoMs to visit Scotland to engage with industry. It also outlined routine formal and informal engagement between Scottish Government/SDI officials and UK …
Scotland Office
12 Recommendation Eighth Report - Promoting Scotland Int… Accepted

Mandate regular contact between Edinburgh Hub and SDI to avoid duplication of business support

We welcome additional trading support provided for Scottish businesses through the recently established UK Government Trade and Investment Hub in Edinburgh. The UK Government Edinburgh Hub and Scottish Development International (SDI) must maintain regular contact with each other to ensure that the support provided to businesses by both organisations is …

Government response. The government states that the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) already works closely with Scottish Government and Scottish Development International (SDI) to ensure complementary, non-duplicated support for Scottish businesses, citing recent joint initiatives and ongoing collaboration.
Scotland Office
14 Recommendation Eighth Report - Promoting Scotland Int… Accepted

Positive collaboration between UK and Scottish officials in Washington should be replicated widely

The UK and Scottish Governments share many of the same priorities for Scotland on the international stage and there is an important role for the Scottish Government to play in promoting Scottish interests overseas in areas of devolved competence. Despite recent publicised tension between the two governments surrounding international activity, …

Government response. The government stated that extensive collaboration, co-location, and regular engagement between UK and Scottish Government officials already exist across the embassy network. They detailed formal and informal engagement, training for HoMs, and the FCDO-Devolved Government Senior Officials’ Group, and expressed …
Scotland Office

Oral evidence sessions

5 sessions
Date Witnesses
12 Jun 2023 David Rutley · Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Rt Hon Alister Jack · Scotland Office, The Lord Offord of Garvel CVO · Scotland Office View ↗
15 May 2023 Francesca Hegyi OBE · Edinburgh International Festival, Major General Buster Howes CB OBE · The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Shona McCarthy · Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society View ↗
20 Mar 2023 Dr Stephen Baker · Scottish Development International, Reuben Aitken · Scottish Enterprise, Rt Hon Angus Robertson MSP · Scottish Government, Scott Wightman · Scottish Government View ↗
9 Jan 2023 Patricia Yates · VisitBritain/VisitEngland, Professor Murray Pittock MAE FRSE · University of Glasgow, Scott McDonald · British Council, Vicki Miller · VisitScotland View ↗
12 Dec 2022 Graeme Littlejohn · Scotch Whisky Association, Jimmy Buchan · Scottish Seafood Association, John Davidson · Scotland Food and Drink View ↗

Correspondence

5 letters
DateDirectionTitle
6 Sep 2023 To cttee Letter from Christopher Thomson, Scottish Government Counsellor for the United…
12 Jul 2023 Correspondence with the Rt Hon Mr Alister Jack MP, Secretary of State for Scot…
20 Jun 2023 To cttee Letter from Angus Robertson MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External …
16 May 2023 Correspondence from Reuben Aitken of Scottish Development International in fol…
25 Apr 2023 To cttee Letter from Rt Hon Angus Robertson MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, Ex…