Scotland's Economy

  • Response to latest trade statistics

    7th July 2021 by

    The latest HMRC Regional Trade Statistics further demonstrate the combined impact of COVID-19 and Brexit on Scotland’s trade. However, I am pleased to see that while exports from Scotland’s onshore economy are down 5% over the past year, this compares favourably with a reduction across the rest of the UK of 14%, demonstrating the work done...

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  • Encouraging workers to get their vaccines

    2nd July 2021 by

    We know vaccination is key to moving forward from the pandemic and I am pleased to be working with Scotland’s business organisations to encourage businesses up and down the country to support their staff to attend their vaccine appointments. See our joint statement: “The COVID-19 vaccine is a vital step in Scotland’s progress towards a...

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  • Making Scotland a world class tech hub

    29th June 2021 by

    The first meeting has taken place of the Scottish Technology Ecosystem Review Advisory Board. The Board brings together Scotland’s top entrepreneurs and digital leaders to advance the recommendations of the Scottish Technology Ecosystem Review, supporting efforts to accelerate Scotland’s development as world class technology hub. The Board members are: Kate Forbes (Co-chair) – Kate is...

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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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  • 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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  • Council tax frozen

    11th March 2021 by

    All 32 local authorities across Scotland have chosen to freeze council tax following a Scottish Government commitment to compensate those who do so. Finance Secretary Kate Forbes said: “With people facing unprecedented challenges and extra pressures, now is a time to work together to provide stability and certainty. “In the budget for the year ahead...

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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 I...

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  • Increasing funding for small accommodation providers

    4th March 2021 by

    Funding to support small accommodation providers impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been expanded. Eligible Bed & Breakfasts, guesthouses, small serviced accommodation providers and other self-catering businesses that pay council tax can now access the new Small Accommodation Providers Paying Council Tax Fund (SAP-CTF). The fund will provide support to eligible businesses who have...

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  • Finance Secretary responds to UK Budget

    3rd March 2021 by

    Responding to the UK Budget, Finance Secretary Kate Forbes said: “In advance of the UK Budget I called for the UK Government to provide meaningful and effective long-term support to businesses and households as we face the next phase of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. “While I welcome some of the announcements today, it is clear...

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