Scotland's Economy

  • Green ports – Scotland’s focus on Fair Work First and net zero

    24th February 2021 by

    Trade Minister Ivan McKee: The COVID-19 pandemic has radically changed what we once knew as normal and has made us all think about how we want to live our lives in future. As we rebuild our economy, we have an opportunity to build a fairer, greener, more prosperous and inclusive Scotland that delivers for every...

    Read more

  • Ministerial Statement: The contribution of place-based economic development zones

    21st January 2021 by

    Trade Minister Ivan McKee: Presiding Officer, today, I have published findings from a survey conducted at the end of 2020 on “Scotland’s Economic Performance: The Contribution of Place-Based Economic Development Zones” and I welcome the opportunity to set out some of those findings and next steps to Parliament. The survey sought the views of businesses,...

    Read more

  • Finance Secretary update on COVID-19 business support

    20th January 2021 by

    Finance Secretary Kate Forbes has written to businesses today to provide an update on support for businesses during the pandemic. Over a third of overall COVID-19 funding has been spent on business support. Ms Forbes confirmed that more than 90% of all funding announced is live, with some smaller schemes due to come on stream...

    Read more

  • Call for UK Government funding to support restrictions

    21st October 2020 by

    Finance Secretary Kate Forbes has called on the UK Government to provide appropriate funding to support businesses and communities, the wider supply chain and individuals negatively impacted or forced to close due to lockdown restrictions. In a letter to the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, Ms Forbes said any support provided to local regions in England that...

    Read more

  • Scottish Apprenticeship Week

    2nd March 2020 by

    When I visited Arnold Clark’s training facility in Glasgow recently I couldn’t help but be impressed. Yes, the facilities are great and the investment in staff is clearly a priority. But what impressed me the most was the enthusiastic group of young female automotive apprentices I met, and the support they were getting both from...

    Read more

  • Digital skills success – first graduates from £1 million scheme

    21st January 2020 by

    People out of work and those on low incomes have been helped to develop their digital skills through a new fund. Digital Economy Minister Kate Forbes met with some of the first beneficiaries of the £1 million Digital Start Fund, who have graduated from CodeClan, to hear how the specialist training has helped them achieve...

    Read more

  • Tackling unfair delivery charges – Business Minister Jamie Hepburn

    24th December 2019 by

    With the festive season in full swing, buying presents is at the forefront of our minds. And as more of us choose to buy our gifts online, I am concerned that there is still a difference in how parcels are delivered in rural and island areas of Scotland compared to the rest of the United...

    Read more

  • Shop local this Christmas

    6th December 2019 by

    Shoppers are being urged to buy local this festive season ahead of Small Business Saturday. Business Minister Jamie Hepburn is championing the work of more than 350,000 small businesses in Scotland by encouraging people to support local firms when doing their Christmas shopping. Mr Hepburn said: “Small businesses are the backbone of the Scottish economy,...

    Read more

  • Chair of the Scottish National Investment Bank

    15th November 2019 by

    Economy Secretary Derek Mackay has welcomed the appointment of Willie Watt as the first Chair of the Board of the Scottish National Investment Bank. Mr Mackay said:  “I’m delighted to appoint Willie Watt as the first Chair of the Board of the Scottish National Investment Bank. “The Bank has the opportunity to transform and grow...

    Read more

  • Selling Scotland on the global stage

    12th November 2019 by

    Scotland is to be one of 192 countries represented at a global event aimed at driving innovation and collaboration across the world. World Expo Dubai 2020 will showcase Scotland as a global trading nation and world-leading destination for business, education and tourism. The World Expo is one of the world’s longest-running and largest international events....

    Read more