Scotland's Economy

  • Chancellor embeds Westminster austerity

    6th December 2013 by

    It’s clear to see from the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement that Westminster’s failed economic policy has deepened the challenge of delivering a real return to growth and will see cuts to public spending in Scotland applied for years to come. The £3.1bn cuts that we’re already facing will be outstripped by the £4bn a year cuts…

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  • Savings and Stabilisation Funds for Scotland

    2nd October 2013 by

    Today the Fiscal Commission Working Group has published its Savings and Stabilisation report, a report I welcome in its recommendation to establish both a stabilisation fund and a savings fund in an independent Scotland. Their work highlights the significant opportunities that Scotland’s oil and gas wealth presents and answers the key questions that have been…

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  • Opportunities for Scotland’s Economy Lecture – 11 June

    6th June 2012 by

    Later this month I will be discussing my view of the challenges and opportunities to business in the context of the current economic climate and the recent developments in the global economy and Euro Area.

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  • Open letter to business

    24th February 2012 by

    Last year, I wrote to Scottish businesses to assure them that the Scottish Government is doing everything possible within our current powers to ensure Scotland remains the most competitive place to do business in the UK.
    Today I have written to our businesses to outline how our Budget maintains that commitment with 57% of Scottish business properties currently paying zero or reduced business rates bills.

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  • David Hume Institute Speech and Interview

    3rd February 2012 by

    I enjoyed the opportunity to talk to the David Hume Institute last night and set out Scotland’s economic opportunities under independence. The Scottish Government video team interviewed me at the event and audio clips of the speech and Q&A are available.

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