Scotland's Economy

  • COVID-19: Updated guidance for construction sector

    28th May 2020 by

    By Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning Kevin Stewart With the gradual easing of lockdown it is vitally important that we publish updated guidance for the construction sector to help it restart safely and recover from the damaging impact of COVID-19. The focus of the Scottish Government remains on tackling the virus, protecting public...

    Read more

  • Labour market statistics update – Business Minister Jamie Hepburn

    19th May 2020 by

    Between January and March 2020, Scotland’s employment rate estimate fell over the quarter to 74.7% and the unemployment rate estimate rose over the quarter to 4.1%. While these rates compare well against historical records, they do not reflect fully the unprecedented impact of the pandemic and how it will change over time. The Job Retention...

    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

  • Foundation Apprenticeships receive further recognition – Skills Minister Jamie Hepburn

    13th January 2020 by

      To meet the future skills needs of Scotland’s economy it is vital industry and educational institutions work together. Foundation Apprenticeships are an important part of building strong links between the two and, crucially, equipping young people with the skills they need to progress onto a successful career or further education. I am delighted that...

    Read more

  • Comment on creation of a train manufacturing plant in Longannet

    19th December 2019 by

    Commenting on the decision to approve planning for the creation of a train manufacturing plant in Longannet, Transport and Infrastructure Secretary Michael Matheson said: “This positive planning decision is a significant milestone for Scotland’s partnership with Talgo. It both moves us closer to the creation of 1,000 high quality, highly skilled jobs and demonstrates what...

    Read more

  • Paul Wheelhouse on Scotland’s energy sector

    11th December 2019 by

    This year was a significant one for Scotland’s energy sector, most notably with the Scottish Government declaring a climate emergency, and outlining our commitment to become a net-zero emissions economy and society by 2045. Our Programme for Government (PfG) outlined the key role renewable energy sources will play in reducing emissions and decarbonising Scotland’s transport...

    Read more

  • Campbeltown Economic Summit

    18th November 2019 by

    An economic forum is being held in Campbeltown to explore development opportunities following the announcement of possible redundancies at two of the town’s biggest employers. Ministers will meet with local councillors, enterprise agencies, trades unions and local employers to identify opportunities to regenerate the local economy. Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “The devastating news...

    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

  • Ferguson Marine apprentices

    8th November 2019 by

    Economy Secretary Derek Mackay has attended a special ceremony to congratulate sixteen young men and women for completing their apprenticeships at Ferguson Marine shipyard. The special event in Greenock recognised and celebrated the apprentices’ contribution to work at the yard. The contract to take Ferguson Marine into public ownership was signed by the Scottish Government...

    Read more

  • Update on Ferguson Marine

    2nd October 2019 by

    The Scottish Government has begun legal discussion with administrators to conclude the process of taking the Ferguson Marine shipyard into public ownership. Following a sale of business process, administrators have concluded that three indicative offers for the business received from commercial parties are either not capable of being executed or do not represent a better...

    Read more