Promoting Scotland Internationally

Scottish Affairs Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 21 Jul 2022 Closed: 17 Jan 2024 Parliament page
The Committee recently conducted an inquiry into Promoting Scotland Internationally. Its report, published on 13 September 2023, can be read here . Read the call for evidence for more detail about the inquiry.
8 Recommendations
6 Conclusions
1 Report
5 Oral sessions
5 Letters
8 Events
Activity timeline 20 events
30 Nov
2023
Report published
13 Sep
2023
Report published
6 Sep
2023
Correspondence
4 Sep
2023
Formal meeting (private meeting) · The Grimond Room, Portcullis House
12 Jul
2023
Correspondence
20 Jun
2023
Correspondence
12 Jun
2023
Oral evidence
12 Jun
2023
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · The Grimond Room, Portcullis House
16 May
2023
Correspondence
15 May
2023
Oral evidence
15 May
2023
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 15, Palace of Westminster
25 Apr
2023
Correspondence
Oral evidence sessions 5 sessions
12 Jun 2023
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David Rutley · Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Rt Hon Alister Jack · Scotland Office The Lord Offord of Garvel CVO · Scotland Office
15 May 2023
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Francesca Hegyi OBE · Edinburgh International Festival Major General Buster Howes CB OBE · The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Shona McCarthy · Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society
20 Mar 2023
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Dr Stephen Baker · Scottish Development International Reuben Aitken · Scottish Enterprise Rt Hon Angus Robertson MSP · Scottish Government Scott Wightman · Scottish Government
9 Jan 2023
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Patricia Yates · VisitBritain/VisitEngland Professor Murray Pittock MAE FRSE · University of Glasgow Scott McDonald · British Council Vicki Miller · VisitScotland
12 Dec 2022
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Graeme Littlejohn · Scotch Whisky Association Jimmy Buchan · Scottish Seafood Association John Davidson · Scotland Food and Drink
Title HC No. Published Items Response
Eighth Report - Promoting Scotland Internationally HC 625 13 Sep 2023 14 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
14 results
1 Conclusion Accepted
Eighth Report - Promoting Scotlan…
Scotland's international brand requires balancing traditional attributes with modern strengths.
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 … Read more
Government Response
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.
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2 Recommendation Deferred
Eighth Report - Promoting Scotlan…
Require FCDO to publish strategy guiding embassies on promoting Scotland's modern and traditional brand.
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 … Read more
Government Response
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.
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3 Recommendation Acknowledged
Eighth Report - Promoting Scotlan…
UK Government's international strategy for Scotland lacks clear actions and measurable objectives.
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 … Read more
Government Response
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.
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4 Conclusion Acknowledged
Eighth Report - Promoting Scotlan…
Mandate OSSS to develop and publish a comprehensive, measurable strategy for promoting Scotland internationally.
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 … Read more
Government Response
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.
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5 Conclusion Acknowledged
Eighth Report - Promoting Scotlan…
UK Government ministerial attendance at New York Tartan Week resumed after eleven years.
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 … Read more
Government Response
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.
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6 Conclusion Deferred
Eighth Report - Promoting Scotlan…
Require UK and Scottish governments to define intended focus for future Tartan Week participation.
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
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.
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7 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Eighth Report - Promoting Scotlan…
Require OSSS to publish Tartan Week impact and explore establishing global Tartan Day events.
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: • … Read more
Government Response
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.
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8 Conclusion Acknowledged
Eighth Report - Promoting Scotlan…
Opportunities exist to engage Scotland's global diaspora for promoting Scottish interests internationally.
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. Read more
Government Response
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.
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9 Recommendation Accepted
Eighth Report - Promoting Scotlan…
Require UK Government to clarify its strategy for engaging the Scottish diaspora internationally.
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 … Read more
Government Response
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.
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10 Conclusion Acknowledged
Eighth Report - Promoting Scotlan…
Inconsistent practice in UK embassies hinders international promotion of Scotland
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 … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the committee's report on promoting Scotland internationally and expresses gratitude.
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11 Recommendation Accepted
Eighth Report - Promoting Scotlan…
Enhance FCDO training for embassy staff and promote regular meetings on Scottish interests
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 … Read more
Government Response
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.
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12 Recommendation Accepted
Eighth Report - Promoting Scotlan…
Mandate regular contact between Edinburgh Hub and SDI to avoid duplication of business support
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 … Read more
Government Response
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.
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13 Recommendation Not Addressed
Eighth Report - Promoting Scotlan…
Require annual updates on Edinburgh Hub's support for Scottish trade and DBT export access
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 … Read more
Government Response
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.
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14 Recommendation Accepted
Eighth Report - Promoting Scotlan…
Positive collaboration between UK and Scottish officials in Washington should be replicated widely
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 … Read more
Government Response
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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Government Response AI assessment · 14 of 8 classified
Accepted 5
Accepted in Part 1
Acknowledged 5
Deferred 2
Not Addressed 1
Total 8 recs + 6 conclusions
Correspondence 5 letters
6 Sep 2023 To committee Letter from Christopher Thomson, Scottish Government Counsellor for the United States on sterling costs for Tartan week, dated 28 June 2023.
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12 Jul 2023 Correspondence with the Rt Hon Mr Alister Jack MP, Secretary of State for Scotland; David Rutley MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Americas and Caribbean) at Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and The Lord Offord of Garvel, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Exports) at Department for Business and Trade on follow-up from evidence session on Promoting Scotland Internationally on 12 June 2023, dated 15 June and 10 July 2023.
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20 Jun 2023 To committee Letter from Angus Robertson MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture at Scottish Government on follow-up from evidence session on Promoting Scotland Internationally on 12 June 2023, dated 14 June 2023.
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16 May 2023 Correspondence from Reuben Aitken of Scottish Development International in follow up to the oral evidence session on Promoting Scotland Internationally on 20 March 2023
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25 Apr 2023 To committee Letter from Rt Hon Angus Robertson MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture at Scottish Government on Promoting Scotland Internationally follow-up on 20 March 2023, dated 17 April 2023
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