Scotland promoted in US as Tartan Week takes place

New York’s annual Tartan Week festivities begin today, culminating in the annual Tartan Day Parade on Saturday.

The Scottish Government’s External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson said: “Tartan Week is an opportunity to celebrate the Scotland’s historic ties with North America, which flourish to this day through cultural exchange, trade, investment and tourism.

“The US is Scotland’s most important international trading partner, as our largest export destination and source of inward investment, and our third biggest market for non-EU international students, with over 6,300 US students choosing to study here in 2021/22.

“I want to encourage greater connections, and greater trade and investment between our countries, which is why I’m meeting a range of existing and potential investors during my time in the US.

“As a showcase of Scottish culture and heritage in the US, Tartan Week is also a major opportunity for our culture and creative sectors to reach new audiences and markets, in line with our recently published international culture strategy, and our Scottish Connections Framework, which aims to strengthen Scotland’s links with our diaspora throughout the world.”

UK Government minister for Scotland John Lamont said: “Last year I saw Tartan Week for the first time, and was blown away by the passion of those who celebrate the links between Scotland and the US. I want us to strengthen our links even more by promoting our most important exports – whisky, energy and financial services – and our rich culture.

“I look forward to marching down Sixth Avenue with partners from The Edinburgh Royal Military Tattoo, Diageo and the British Consulate – who all do so much to represent the UK and Scotland across the world.”

Sandy Begbie, chief executive of Scottish Financial Enterprise, said: “Scotland’s world-class financial services industry has a proud shared history with the US.

“In recent years we have seen major investments in Scotland from US financial institutions and we are determined to continue developing these strong links to attract further investment.

“This will create high-value jobs and support our ambitions of adding £4bn to £7bn to the Scottish economy over the next five years.”