Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 5
5
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 30
UK Government ministerial attendance at New York Tartan Week resumed after eleven years.
Conclusion
The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland earlier this year (2023) attended and took part in events as part of the 25th annual “Tartan Week” in New York City—the first time a UK Government Minister has attended since 2012.
Government Response Summary
The government confirmed the attendance of a minister at Tartan Week 2023, detailing the range of stakeholders engaged. They also mentioned ongoing discussions for 2024 collaboration and other international promotional activities tailored by overseas posts.
Paragraph Reference:
30
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The UK Government—represented by Scotland Office Parliamentary Under Secretary of State John Lamont—attended Tartan Week 2023 to mark the 25th Anniversary of Tartan Week. The Minister engaged with a range of important stakeholders to Scotland, including those from the whisky industry, financial institutions, cultural organisations, education and civil society. The Scotland Office, DBT, Scottish Government in Washington and the FCDO are discussing potential collaboration for Tartan Week 2024 in New York. Discussions have also been held with various Scottish diaspora groups in New York and the New York City authorities. Detailed plans for this will be developed during the autumn/winter 2023. As discussed in paragraph 7, there is wide variation across the global network in terms of how the Scottish brand resonates locally. Posts in our overseas network carry out a wide range of events to promote Scotland internationally and have the local cultural expertise to understand what will work. Tartan Week in New York is a specific event run by diaspora groups which resonates well in the USA.