Scotland's Economy

  • £6 million to support Fife Taskforce

    28th April 2015 by

    This is a very anxious time for the workers at Tullis Russell, their families and indeed the wider community across Fife. Particularly in a small town the size of Markinch, the potential impact of these job losses cannot be underestimated. We are therefore making an immediate and initial financial investment of £6 million to support...

    Read more

  • Land and Buildings Transaction Tax unveiled

    21st January 2015 by

    In October, the Draft Budget provided me with the honour of being the first Scottish Finance Minister for 308 years to set national tax rates. Even that experience didn’t prepare me for the even greater honour of seeing the design of my national tax being replicated across the UK in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement less...

    Read more

  • 2014: positive year for the Scottish economy

    30th December 2014 by

    This Government is determined to build a fairer, more sustainable, and more balanced economy and 2014 saw the Scottish economy log its strongest performance in seven years. With further headway in economic conditions expected next year, this should bring opportunity for business and security for hard working people across the country. The picture in the...

    Read more

  • FM Nicola Sturgeon makes major economic speech

    1st December 2014 by

    Today, I am making clear that a strong, growing economy with a thriving business base is essential to the overall success of our country. I am also announcing that I will strengthen the role of the Scottish Government’s Council of Economic Advisers, to ensure that my government has access to the best possible advice as...

    Read more

  • Autumn Statement must support sustained economic growth

    30th November 2014 by

    The Scottish Government is doing all it can, within its powers, to strengthen the Scottish economy. The latest Scottish GDP figures show the economy has grown continuously over the last two years, while our employment, unemployment and inactivity rates are the strongest of the four nations of the UK. However, there is clear evidence that...

    Read more

  • Investors in Young People

    16th October 2014 by

    Published earlier this year, the Commission for Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce has focused minds on the subject of youth unemployment. Currently, there are 53,000 Young People not in employment, education or training in Scotland. With only 27% of employers offering work experience and 29% employing directly from education in Scotland, there is significant scope and...

    Read more

  • Draft Scottish Budget 2015/16

    9th October 2014 by

    Finance Secretary John Swinney today set out the Draft Scottish Budget 2015/16. Mr Swinney said: “This budget follows unprecedented levels of political engagement not only on Scotland’s constitutional future but the wider priorities of the people of Scotland. “What will lie at the heart of the budget will be a determination to make Scotland a prosperous...

    Read more

  • Improving opportunities for women

    21st August 2014 by

    Scotland’s economy is moving from recovery to expansion with labour market statistics published last week showing record levels of women in work. Women are key to the strength and resilience of Scotland’s economy. They have made a huge contribution to the recovery we are seeing now. But too often they do so on an unequal...

    Read more

  • Catalyst for regeneration, innovation and sustainable economic growth

    1st August 2014 by

    With the eyes of the world on Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games, Scotland is rightly proud of its medallists and all the athletes involved in 11 spectacular days of sport. And while we celebrate their successes there are thousands more winners across Scotland beyond the podium places. The Games is about more than medals, it’s a catalyst...

    Read more

  • Commonwealth Games Economic Legacy

    22nd July 2014 by

    I am delighted to have the opportunity to welcome business leaders from around the Commonwealth to Glasgow ahead of what promises to be a phenomenal Games. The opportunity the Games bring and the significant economic legacy they are already delivering is something this government is determined to see Scotland make the most of.  And I...

    Read more