Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Eighth Report - Promoting Scotland Internationally
Scottish Affairs Committee
HC 625
Published 13 September 2023
Recommendations
2
Deferred
Require FCDO to publish strategy guiding embassies on promoting Scotland's modern and traditional brand.
Recommendation
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) should publish a strategy, to be circulated across its international diplomatic network, which sets out guidance and expectations for embassies on holding events to mark Scotland’s key dates, St Andrew’s Day and Burns …
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Government Response Summary
The government discusses potential collaboration for Tartan Week 2024 in New York, with detailed plans to be developed, but does not commit to publishing a broader strategy, defining the Scottish brand, or providing annual reporting updates for embassies as recommended.
Scotland Office
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3
Acknowledged
Para 28
UK Government's international strategy for Scotland lacks clear actions and measurable objectives.
Recommendation
We heard that UK Government activity in relation to promoting Scotland internationally, for example through ministerial visits, could sometimes be perceived as lacking a bigger strategic picture. The Secretary of State for Scotland described the UK Government’s strategy for Scotland …
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Government Response Summary
The government stated that promoting Scotland is a cross-government endeavor, with strategic direction arising from departmental priorities and collaboration. They described existing processes like stakeholder engagement, horizon scanning, and the Delivering for Scotland Board, but did not provide the specific 'further detail' or measurable actions requested for a comprehensive strategic picture.
Scotland Office
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7
Accepted in Part
Para 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: • …
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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.
Scotland Office
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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 …
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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.
Scotland Office
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11
Accepted
Enhance FCDO training for embassy staff and promote regular meetings on Scottish interests
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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 Government staff across the overseas network.
Scotland Office
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12
Accepted
Para 56
Mandate regular contact between Edinburgh Hub and SDI to avoid duplication of business support
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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
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13
Not Addressed
Require annual updates on Edinburgh Hub's support for Scottish trade and DBT export access
Recommendation
In response to this report, the UK Government should provide an annual written update to the committee on how the Hub is supporting the delivery of the UK Government’s trading outcomes and its priorities for Scotland. The UK Government should …
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Government Response Summary
The government's response focuses on existing collaboration between DBT and SDI but does not commit to providing the requested annual written update to the committee or specific details on how it will provide greater access to export support while avoiding duplication.
Scotland Office
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14
Accepted
Positive collaboration between UK and Scottish officials in Washington should be replicated widely
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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 openness to further discussion.
Scotland Office
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Conclusions (6)
1
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 17
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 Summary
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.
4
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 29
In response to this report, the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland—in consultation with the FCDO—should provide a clear strategy containing its measurable priorities and objectives for promoting Scotland internationally alongside the actions it is undertaking—and will undertake in the future—to achieve these goals. This 30 Promoting Scotland …
Government Response Summary
The government provides a very vague statement about 'broad engagement providing ongoing opportunity' without committing to a clear strategy with measurable priorities, an audit, horizon scanning, stakeholder consultation, or specifying the remit of the cross-Whitehall delivery board.
5
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 30
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.
6
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 31
The UK and Scottish governments should both explore the intended focus for their participation at “Tartan Week” in the future. “Tartan Week” provides a prime opportunity to promote Scotland.
Government Response Summary
The government deflects the specific recommendation to explore the future focus of Tartan Week, instead highlighting existing positive collaboration between UK and Scottish government officials and the FCDO-Devolved Government Senior Officials’ Group for discussing international issues affecting devolved interests.
8
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 37
We have heard from witnesses during our inquiry of the opportunities which exist for the UK and Scottish governments to build connections with Scotland’s large global diaspora, which could be used to support the promotion of Scottish interests internationally.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the opportunities to engage the Scottish diaspora, highlighting existing activities by UK overseas missions such as St Andrew's Day and Burns Night events. It states the FCDO will continue to work collaboratively with the Scottish Government to engage the diaspora.
10
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 46
We appreciate the wide range of work undertaken by UK embassies across a range of interests, from security to international development assistance to consular support. Our inquiry has focused on the economic and cultural promotion of Scotland internationally, and our recommendations will therefore focus on this narrower area of competence. …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the committee's report on promoting Scotland internationally and expresses gratitude.