As Chair of the Scottish Business Network (SBN), I have embarked on an inspiring journey over the past six months to enhance our services, aiming to bridge the gap between the vibrant Scottish diaspora with the thriving entrepreneurs and innovators in Scotland.
This initiative arose from a resounding call from senior executives, investors, and founders within the global Scottish community, who expressed a strong desire for a more robust access to news on developments within the Scottish entrepreneur and innovation sector. Their message was simple: “We want to hear more from Scotland!”
From the perspective of Scottish organizations—whether commercial, educational, cultural, charitable, or representative—there is a shared ambition to access more resources, whether in the form of human capital, investment, or opportunities. While our existing model at SBN of events and one-to-one introductions addressed some of these needs, it proved challenging to scale effectively. This prompted us to explore alternative approaches.
An idea emerged during a conversation I had with Tom Thomas while in Bangalore. Inspired by our discussion, we envisioned a news portal dedicated to Scotland. After considerable investment of time and resources into this vision, I am proud to introduce Saltire Sentinel. This platform aims to serve as a vital connection between Scotland and its global diaspora, fostering meaningful engagement and collaboration.
How You Can Support Saltire Sentinel
To ensure the success and growth of this initiative, I invite you to:
- Subscribe and Provide Feedback: Your insights are invaluable in refining our content and editorial focus. We are committed to delivering content that resonates with our audience.
- Share the News: Help spread the word about Saltire Sentinel within your network and to anyone who would benefit from our platform.
- Contribute Content: Share your articles, news, and insights. This not only highlights your efforts but also strengthens connections within the global Scottish community.
- Join the Directory: Ensure your organization is included in our directory. This free resource facilitates international inquiries and connections.
Our Goals and Next Steps
Our immediate focus is on sourcing relevant content and driving engagement. We aim to connect with Scots worldwide and encourage them to subscribe and engage. Our initial target is to secure 1,000 subscribers during Q1, with a goal of 5,000 by year-end.
Gratitude
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our dedicated team, led by Verghese Joseph, for their tremendous efforts in bringing this vision to life. I am also deeply grateful to those who have supported us throughout this journey.
Saltire Sentinel represents a significant step in strengthening the bonds between Scotland and its global diaspora. Together, we can build a platform that amplifies Scotland’s voice and fosters opportunities worldwide. Your support will be instrumental in realizing this vision.
Russell Dalgleish is a Scottish serial entrepreneur, investor and entrepreneur in residence at Exolta Capital Partners.
