Tartan Week visit will strengthen ‘trade and investment ties’ with US – Swinney

First Minister John Swinney has said he aims to strengthen “trade and investment ties” between Scotland and the US when he travels to New York for the city’s annual Tartan Week.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Mr Swinney described the US as a “priority trade partner”, pointing out that in 2023 Scotland exported nearly £4 billion of goods to the US, with “roughly the same amount” flowing in the other direction.

He also described the country as the “top investor in Scotland”, saying more than 700 US companies employ upwards of 115,000 people in Scotland.

Mr Swinney said he wanted to use his visit to “further grow” these business and investment links, which he said were “at the heart” of relations between the two countries.

The First Minister said: “Scottish culture is celebrated the world over – it brings people together and it shares Scotland with the world. Tartan Week in New York is a wonderful example of that.

“But these events are more than just a chance to celebrate our culture. They are an opportunity for us to foster new business relationships and strengthen the trade and investment ties between our two countries.

“The US is a priority trade partner for Scotland, and consistently the top country for Scottish exports. In 2023, we exported nearly £4 billion of goods to America and we imported roughly the same amount.

“America is also the top investor in Scotland, with over 700 companies employing over 115,000 people in key sectors. That is a tremendous and welcome contribution to our economy and our communities.

“I want to attend Tartan Week to maintain, and further grow, these important links – links which have for centuries been at the heart of our relationship with the USA.”

As well as attending the annual tartan day parade on April 5, Mr Swinney will appear at an event featuring Scottish artists at the city’s Carnegie Hall.

He will also lead a Q&A on Scotland’s “progressive and international outlook” at the Council on Foreign Relations.

Kyle Dawson, president of the national tartan day New York committee, said they were “delighted” that the First Minister will be attending the Tartan Week festivities.

He added: “It’s a privilege to provide a platform that facilitates and strengthens international relationships, and in the spirit of celebrating Scottish culture and heritage in the United States we look forward to welcoming the First Minister to our events.”