Scotland's Economy

  • Green ports letter to UK Government

    24th March 2021 by

    Trade Minister Ivan McKee has written to Chief Secretary to the Treasury Steve Barclay outlining his disappointment that the joint bidding process for green ports will not be launched ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections. Full text of the letter: Dear Steve, Delivering green ports in Scotland I am disappointed to have received no response...

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  • Green ports update from Trade Minister

    12th March 2021 by

    Trade Minister Ivan McKee has written to Scottish business organisations to update them on work to establish green ports in Scotland. Full text of letter: Dear Colleagues, I wanted to write to you to provide an update on our work to establish green ports in Scotland, and to reassure you of this government’s intent to...

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  • Finance Secretary’s Budget Bill statement

    9th March 2021 by

    Finance Secretary Kate Forbes’ statement opening the Scottish Parliament’s Stage 3 debate on the Budget Bill.   Presiding Officer, it is essential that we come together as a Parliament today to agree the 2021-22 Scottish Budget and deliver the certainty and stability that Scotland, its people and its businesses and communities deserve. Throughout this Budget...

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  • UK Budget must protect Scottish finances

    3rd March 2021 by

    The UK Budget must provide adequate funding for Scotland and respect the devolution settlement, Finance Secretary Kate Forbes has said. The Scottish Government has committed to continuing business support during the next phase of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – including extending non-domestic rates relief for retail, hospitality, leisure and aviation businesses – provided the UK...

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  • 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...

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  • Brexit barriers facing artists and musicians

    21st February 2021 by

    Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop has requested an urgent meeting with the UK Government to discuss the impact of ending EU free movement on culture and creative sectors. In a letter to the UK Culture Secretary, Ms Hyslop urged the UK Government to negotiate visa-free access for artists and other creative professionals touring and carrying out...

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  • 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,...

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  • Response to the Chancellor’s business support announcement

    5th January 2021 by

    Responding to today’s announcement by the UK Government on business support, Finance Secretary Kate Forbes said: “We are both surprised and disappointed that the UK Government’s announcement of additional funding for businesses in England will not – despite the initial indications –  generate further new funding for the Scottish Government or other devolved administrations. “This...

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  • BiFab update

    16th December 2020 by

    Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: In 2016 the owners of BiFab sought to sell the business. At that point DF Barnes became involved in the process and achieved preferred bidder status. The negotiations were paused when the managing director of BiFab sadly passed away. It subsequently became clear that BiFab would require external funding to...

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  • BiFab update

    3rd December 2020 by

    Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “I know this will be an extremely worrying time for BiFab’s workers and we will continue to do everything in our power to support them and stand ready to work with any company interesting in taking on the yards. The skills and dedication of the workforce is recognised throughout the...

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