Scotland's Economy

  • Scottish Government calls for more support for businesses

    21st September 2022 by

    Deputy First Minister John Swinney

      Energy policy is reserved to the UK Government and we have been calling for it to introduce a business energy cap for some time. I welcome that it has now done so, but without substantial reform to the energy market there is a real risk that this temporary measure will prove to be inadequate....

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  • Response to Scotland’s GDP estimate for May 2021

    21st July 2021 by

      “It is encouraging to see Scotland’s economy continuing to recover from the pandemic. “The 0.9% rise in Scotland’s GDP during May is the fourth consecutive monthly increase and output is now 2.7% below its pre-pandemic level in February 2020, having increased from a low of -22.6% in April 2020. “I am particularly pleased to...

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  • Working to deliver economic transformation

    9th July 2021 by

    It is impossible to overstate the devastating impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on every aspect of our lives – the pandemic has shaken our society and economy to their core. And whilst our collective efforts, in tandem with the success of the vaccination programme, have been instrumental in suppressing the virus, our fight to...

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  • Supporting visitor management in rural areas

    10th June 2021 by

    Today I met with the Visitor Management Steering Group to discuss ongoing efforts to address some challenges that are arising due to a rise in visitors in rural areas. As someone who lives in a rural constituency with an abundance of natural beauty spots, I know only too well that an influx of visitors and...

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  • Help needed for Scottish businesses impacted by Brexit

    18th February 2021 by

    Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop has written to the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove calling on the UK Government to provide more help for Scottish businesses struggling to trade with the EU post-Brexit. The letter is below:   Dear Michael, I understand that, from 1 March, Lord Frost will take over your responsibilities...

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  • Budget update statement

    16th February 2021 by

    Finance Secretary Kate Forbes has updated the Scottish Parliament on developments with the Scottish Budget 2021-22.  Her full statement is below. “My objectives in this Budget statement today are to give as much early clarity to businesses, public bodies and communities and to be as transparent as possible, This is a Budget for the nation,...

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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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  • 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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  • Minister calls for Scotland’s distinctive needs to be met

    11th December 2020 by

    Trade Minister Ivan McKee has written to the UK Government repeating his call for it to pass all monies intended to replace EU structural funds to Scotland. A copy of his letter to Scotland Office Minister Iain Stewart is below:   Dear Iain, Thank you for meeting with me on Thursday 26 November to discuss...

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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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