Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Eighth Report - Promoting Scotland Internationally
Scottish Affairs Committee
HC 625
Published 13 September 2023
Recommendations
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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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 (1)
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.