Scotland's Economy

  • Redefining Prosperity – speech delivered by Trade and Innovation Minister Ivan McKee on 26.09.19

    26th September 2019 by

    Ladies and gentlemen.   Ministers.   Colleagues.   Friends. I am delighted to be in Brussels today to speak about our policy approach to redefine prosperity, in practical terms. I really appreciate the invitation for Scotland to be an active part of the R&I days. And before I move onto the topic of sustainable, inclusive economic growth, let...

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  • Investing in Scotland’s future skills – Business Minister Jamie Hepburn

    10th September 2019 by

    Today I was delighted to visit Whitespace in Edinburgh and learn about their innovative approach within the creative industry sector and their commitment to upskilling and training their workforce. Their investment in their employees is evident in the quality of their work and the culture of their business. This type of business is central to...

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  • Update on Ferguson Marine

    12th August 2019 by

    Economy Secretary Derek Mackay said: “The Scottish Government has been working for over two years to find a resolution to the difficulties at FMEL. Throughout that time our preference has been to identify viable commercial options to keep the yard going and to finish the vessels. No such solutions have come forward. “The Scottish Government has...

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  • Year three for Flexible Workforce Development Fund

    17th July 2019 by

    As a Government we are working hard to ensure our economy, employers and employees are fit and ready to respond to the changing needs of business and emerging economic demands. We are committed to creating a more successful country and opportunities for people living in Scotland whilst creating sustainable and inclusive growth.  I am delighted...

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  • Trade and Investment Minister visits China – Day One

    2nd July 2019 by

    Trade and Investment Minister Ivan McKee is visiting China this week to promote the growing economic, cultural and educational links between Scotland and the world’s second largest economy. On the first day of his visit, Mr McKee undertook a series of engagements in Beijing, starting with meeting the Deputy Head of Mission at the British...

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  • Unemployment rate at record low for fifth consecutive month

    14th May 2019 by

    Commenting on this month’s labour market statistics update, released by the ONS for January 2019 to March 2019, Business Minister Jamie Hepburn said: “The Scottish economy and jobs market continues to strengthen. “Scotland’s employment rate is 75.4% and the unemployment rate sits at 3.2%, a new record low and lower than the UK rate of 3.8%. Indeed...

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  • Island voices to be heard

    7th April 2019 by

    National consultation to empower island residents. Island communities are being encouraged to help shape the policies that affect them. A national consultation will inform the development of the first ever National Islands Plan, asking island residents to share opinions on the specific challenges they face – such as population retention, connectivity, economic development, housing, and...

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  • This week: 15/03/19

    15th March 2019 by

    Scotland’s space industry Scotland’s space sector could be worth £4 billion by 2030, Innovation Minister Ivan McKee said during a space industry debate in Scottish parliament this week. Mr McKee outlined the Scottish Government’s ambitious plans to introduce at least one spaceport by the early 2020s. Read more about Scotland’s space industry   Borderlands Infrastructure...

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  • Scotland: an attractive place to invest

    14th March 2019 by

    With investment in Scottish commercial property topping £2.3 billion, 37% ahead of the 10-year annual average, the sector in Scotland is buoyant. Couple that with Scotland being named one of the most beautiful countries in the world – according to Rock Guide – and its little wonder businesses are keen to locate here. In fact,...

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  • Statistics highlight importance of EU market to Scotland

    7th March 2019 by

    The publication of HMRC’s latest Regional Trade Statistics this morning shows the importance of the EU market to Scotland. Commenting on the statistics, Trade Minister Ivan McKee said: “These are very encouraging figures. The value of Scotland’s annual goods exports increased by 6 per cent to £30.3 billion. This is a higher growth rate than...

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