Ian Murray heading to Malaysia and Singapore on ‘Brand Scotland’ mission

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray will act as ambassador for a number of Scottish industries as he sets off on a five-day tour of Malaysia and Singapore.

As the UK looks to strengthen economic ties with the south-east Asian nations, Mr Murray will promote “Brand Scotland” during his visit, which starts on November 26.

It will include the signing of a deal for Malaysian surgical students to train in Scotland and a tour of the Royal Navy’s offshore patrol vessel HMS Spey in Singapore.

In October, previous Scottish secretary Alister Jack visited Vietnam to promote Scotch whisky.

Mr Murray said: “I am hugely excited about taking Brand Scotland to south-east Asia.

“Malaysia and Singapore have longstanding cultural and economic ties with Scotland, and I look forward to working with Scottish businesses to strengthen these further.

“Brand Scotland is about selling Scotland, its products and services, to the world, from shipbuilding, science and salmon, to Scotch, culture and financial services. It is also about encouraging inward investment in Scotland.”

He added: “I am delighted that many Scottish businesses, the higher education sector and cultural groups will support our trip.

“The Indo-Pacific is one of the most dynamic, fastest-growing regions in the world and the Scotland Office will be doing all it can to help Scottish businesses make the most of many opportunities there.”