Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 7
7
Accepted in Part
Paragraph: 32
Require OSSS to publish Tartan Week impact and explore establishing global Tartan Day events.
Recommendation
Given that the Secretary of State has confirmed that there will be ministerial representation at New York “Tartan Week” next year, the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland should set out in its response to this report: • the outputs and impact arising from its participation in “Tartan Week” this year; and • how the UK Government will work with the Scottish Government in ensuring the most strategic and constructive inter-governmental approach. Following this, the UK Government should explore with international partners whether there is an opportunity to establish “Tartan Day” events in other countries where there are strong Scottish links.
Government Response Summary
The government provided details of ministerial engagement at Tartan Week 2023. They stated that discussions are underway for 2024 collaboration with Scottish Government, but implied that establishing Tartan Day events in other countries may not be universally effective, noting posts already conduct tailored events.
Paragraph Reference:
32
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
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.