As Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney embarks on his inaugural visit to the United States, the enduring relationship between Scotland and America takes center stage. With business, trade, and investment forming the backbone of this long-standing bond, Swinney’s stateside mission aims to deepen these ties further, fostering economic growth and cultural exchange.
At the heart of Swinney’s visit is Tartan Week in New York City—a vibrant celebration of Scottish heritage that culminates in the iconic Tartan Day Parade. This annual event not only showcases Scotland’s rich cultural traditions but also serves as a platform for fostering international business relationships.
For Swinney, Tartan Week represents an opportunity to highlight Scotland’s global appeal as a destination for investment and innovation. “Scottish culture is celebrated the world over—it brings people together and shares Scotland with the world,” he remarked. “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 trade and investment ties between our two countries”.
Swinney has emphasised that, “America is also the top investor in Scotland… 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”.
The relationship between Scotland and America is one built on mutual respect, shared history, and common aspirations. Swinney carries with him not only the hopes of fostering economic growth but also the spirit of unity that defines this enduring partnership.
Kyle Dawson, President of the National Tartan Day New York Committee, expressed his enthusiasm for Swinney’s participation: “It’s a privilege to provide a platform that facilitates and strengthens international relationships… We look forward to welcoming the First Minister to our events”.
Swinney’s vision extends far beyond celebration. His focus on fostering business relationships reflects a commitment to creating jobs, driving innovation, and ensuring sustainable growth for both nations.
Scotland and the United States share a rich history of collaboration, marked by mutual respect and shared aspirations. More than five million Americans identify as being of Scottish descent, with nearly three million more claiming Scots-Irish heritage. This deep cultural connection has laid the foundation for robust economic links that have flourished over decades.
The U.S. remains Scotland’s largest international partner, consistently leading in exports and foreign direct investment (FDI). In 2023 alone, Scotland exported nearly £4 billion worth of goods to America, while importing a similar amount. American companies have also made significant contributions to Scotland’s economy, with over 700 firms employing more than 115,000 people across key sectors such as technology, energy, and manufacturing.
During his visit, Swinney will lead Scotland’s delegation at several high-profile events designed to attract investment and create jobs. These include:
Carnegie Hall Event: Showcasing Scotland’s thriving arts sector through performances by some of its best artists.
Council on Foreign Relations Discussion: Highlighting Scotland’s progressive and international outlook during a Q&A session.
Investor Meetings: Engaging with current and potential investors to promote Scotland’s economic opportunities.
These efforts align with Scotland’s broader strategy to position itself as a global leader in innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. From its flourishing tech scene to its world-class energy sector, Scotland offers immense potential for American businesses seeking new opportunities.
The U.S.-Scotland trade relationship is not just significant—it is vital. Nearly a quarter of Scotland’s services exports are directed to the U.S., while iconic products like Scotch whisky continue to dominate beverage exports. These trade flows underscore the importance of maintaining open channels for commerce between the two nations.
Recent dialogues in Aberdeen have further emphasized this partnership by focusing on modernizing trade practices through digital innovation, green trade initiatives, and support for small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs). Such efforts aim to make it easier for businesses in both countries to collaborate and thrive.
The Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from the U.S. has been transformative for Scotland’s economy. American-owned businesses have not only created thousands of jobs but have also contributed nearly £50 billion to the Scottish economy annually. This investment spans diverse sectors—from renewable energy projects to cutting-edge technology firms—solidifying Scotland’s reputation as a hub for international business.
Swinney’s visit seeks to build on this momentum by attracting new investors who can contribute to Scotland’s long-term economic growth. With forecasts predicting sustained growth in Gross Value Added (GVA) over the coming years, there is ample opportunity for collaboration that benefits both nations.
Beyond economics, Tartan Week exemplifies how cultural diplomacy can strengthen international relationships. The event celebrates Scottish heritage through music, dance, art, and traditional customs like kilts and bagpipes. It also commemorates historical milestones such as the Declaration of Arbroath—a document that influenced America’s own Declaration of Independence.
Scotland’s international framework emphasises building partnerships that address global challenges such as climate change and population aging while promoting shared values like inclusivity and progressiveness. By strengthening ties with its most significant partner—the United States—Scotland is poised to achieve these ambitious goals.
