Scotland's Economy

  • 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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  • 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 for...

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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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  • Support for larger self-catering properties and B&Bs

    21st January 2021 by

    Details of support for larger self-catering properties and B&Bs paying council tax have been confirmed by Tourism Secretary Fergus Ewing. The £7 million Large Self-Catering Grant and the Exclusive Use Grant was announced as part of the £104 million tourism and hospitality package in December. Eligible self–catering businesses will be able to apply for one...

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  • Finance Secretary update on COVID-19 business support

    20th January 2021 by

    Finance Secretary Kate Forbes has written to businesses today to provide an update on support for businesses during the pandemic. Over a third of overall COVID-19 funding has been spent on business support. Ms Forbes confirmed that more than 90% of all funding announced is live, with some smaller schemes due to come on stream...

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  • EU funds replacement plan is a “power grab”

    20th January 2021 by

    Statement by Trade, Innovation and Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee to the Finance and Constitution Committee on the UK Government’s proposed Shared Prosperity Fund. Thank you Convenor for inviting Professor David Bell and myself to the Committee today to update you on the replacement of EU Structural Funds in Scotland, the recently published Scotland’s Position...

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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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