Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 9
9
Accepted
Require UK Government to clarify its strategy for engaging the Scottish diaspora internationally.
Recommendation
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 relationships with the Scottish diaspora; and Promoting Scotland Internationally 31 • how the UK Government intends to engage with the Scottish Government to help develop these relationships following the Scottish Government’s recently published Scottish Connections Framework (Paragraph 38). The UK’s diplomatic network
Government Response Summary
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.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
As noted above, the UK’s overseas network marks St Andrew’s Day and Burns Night to celebrate Scottish culture and host suppers, often in collaboration with diaspora groups. Our diplomats overseas play an active role in engaging Scottish expatriate communities and organisations during these events. For example, in Australia where there is an active Highland Games tradition, the UK’s Consul General in Melbourne is also Chieftain of the Highland Games, and regularly attends events to promote Scotland. This year, Burns Night events were held by UK missions across the globe including in Bangkok, Boston, Buenos Aires, Copenhagen, Kuala Lumpur, South Sudan and Wellington. The British High Commission in Accra hosted the centenary Burns Supper of the Caledonian Society of Ghana earlier this year, and UK Government staff at the British Embassy Manila celebrated Burns Night with the St Andrew’s Society and alumni from Scottish universities. The FCDO remains fully committed to working collaboratively with the Scottish Government in the delivery of devolved policy objectives. This includes discussing how both governments can work together to further engage the Scottish diaspora. Overseas Posts will continue to build and develop connections with Scottish diaspora groups in the most effective way, taking into account the local context and environment.