The UK’s undersecretary for Scotland, John Lamont, is in New York to mark the city’s annual Tartan Week celebration today (3 April).
‘Celebrate the very best’
Lamont will lead a reception “to celebrate the very best in Scotland’s produce and culture”, according to a statement from the Scotland office.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will feature alongside representatives from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, who will speak to guests on Scotland’s cultural contributions.
The event is held at the New York headquarters of beverage firm Diageo, whose Johnnie Walker whisky will be among the goods being highlighted.
Lamont said of the event:
“Last year I saw Tartan Week for the first time, and was blown away by the passion of those who celebrate the links between Scotland and the US. I want us to strengthen our links even more by promoting our most important exports - whisky, energy and financial services - and our rich culture.
“I look forward to marching down Sixth Avenue with partners from The Edinburgh Royal Military Tattoo, Diageo and the British Consulate - who all do so much to represent the UK and Scotland across the world.”
Fintech focus
Also taking place are a number of events hosted by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). One is aimed at bringing US investment into Scottish energy, and another aiming to “raise Scotland’s profile as a premier location to establish or expand UK operations” in fintech.
Scottish Financial Enterprise CEO, Sandy Begbie, said that “Scotland’s world-class financial services industry has a proud shared history with the US.
“In recent years we have seen major investments in Scotland from US financial institutions and we are determined to continue developing these strong links to attract further investment.
“This will create high-value jobs and support our ambitions of adding £4bn to £7bn to the Scottish economy over the next five years.”
Lord Offord, minister for exports, added that “the US is one of Scotland’s most important trading partners, with Scottish companies selling billions of pounds worth of goods and services there every year”.
Whisky woes
Scotland’s roaring whisky trade has been muzzled somewhat following news last week that the national ferry operator CalMac has not been able to replace its fleet of ferries quickly enough.
The leader of the state-owned shipbuilder Ferguson Marine, David Tydeman, has been removed from his post following the failure to complete two ferries on time.
The delay has prompted questions from politicians from Labour and the Conservatives over the government’s handling of the project, while Channel 4 reports that the delay has hit whisky and the tourism trade.
Salmon exports fall
Another of the country’s specialties, the salmon trade, has also been reported to have taken a hit in recent years in data published last week by Salmon Scotland. The trade body says that growth in salmon exports is around £75–100m lower than it would be had the UK not left the EU.
Salmon Scotland’s CEO, Tavish Scott, noted that “Scottish salmon is the UK’s largest food export and a major contributor to our economy, with demand rising at home and abroad”.
“But Brexit red tape continues to hold back the potential of Scottish exports, despite the hard work and investment put in by farmers to address the issues.
“We need the next UK government – whatever formation it is – to ease the burden on exporters so that sectors like ours can sell more Scottish produce, delivering economic growth and creating jobs here at home.”
