Scotland's Economy

  • Further UK Government action required to support our green recovery

    7th September 2020 by

    Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Secretary Michael Matheson outlines a number of key areas where action is needed urgently, if we are to deliver a green recovery and our shared net-zero ambitions.

    Read more

  • Investment in Moray

    24th August 2020 by

    The signing of the Heads of Terms agreement for the Moray Growth Deal is an important milestone.

    Read more

  • R100 programme deployment of superfast broadband gets underway.

    18th August 2020 by

    Major infrastructure work is now underway to make rural Scotland one of the best digitally connected places in Europe. Work has begun in the South of Scotland to build full-fibre broadband infrastructure – funded through the Scottish Government’s Reaching 100% (R100) programme. This new infrastructure is expected to be delivered to the first premises by...

    Read more

  • Statement on US tariffs decision

    13th August 2020 by

    Responding to a decision by the US Government to maintain 25% tariffs on a range of Scottish products, including single malt whisky, cashmere, cheese and some wool items, Trade Minister Ivan McKee said: “Scottish businesses are being hit hard by these tariffs and jobs and livelihoods are now at risk. I urge UK Ministers to...

    Read more

  • Industry Leadership Group review

    28th July 2020 by

    Responding to publication of a review of Industry Leadership Groups, carried out by the Enterprise and Skills Strategic Board, Business Minister Jamie Hepburn said: “Industry Leadership Groups are a crucial way for the Scottish Government and our agencies to interact with businesses and make sure we are responding properly to their needs and concerns.  We...

    Read more

  • Statement following Finance Ministers’ quadrilateral

    24th July 2020 by

    Speaking after a virtual meeting this afternoon with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury Stephen Barclay, Welsh Finance Minister Rebecca Evans and Northern Irish Finance Minister Conor Murphy, Finance Secretary Kate Forbes said: “We had a constructive conversation and the £800 million of additional new funding the UK Government announced yesterday is welcome and provides...

    Read more

  • The Chancellor’s statement largely bypasses devolution.

    13th July 2020 by

    The temporary localised restrictions in Leicester and Dumfries, and further afield in Melbourne and Catalonia, remind us of the continuing threat posed by coronavirus (COVID-19). They also highlight the importance of rapid, targeted action in dealing with the pandemic. Robust national and international structures are of course essential, but to eradicate the virus we also...

    Read more

  • Response to UK Government Summer Statement

    8th July 2020 by

    Responding the UK Chancellor’s Summer Statement today, Finance Secretary Kate Forbes said: “We called for an £80bn stimulus package to build a strong, green and inclusive economic recovery and while there are elements in this announcement to be welcomed, in particular the measures on VAT for tourism and hospitality, overall this package is a huge...

    Read more

  • Labour market statistics show impact of pandemic

    16th June 2020 by

    Between February and April 2020, Scotland’s employment rate estimate fell over the quarter to 74.3% and the unemployment rate estimate rose over the quarter to 4.6%.

    Read more

  • Construction industry takes next step towards COVID-19 recovery

    11th June 2020 by

    The Construction industry is moving to the next phase of its restart plan in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

    Read more