Scotland's Economy

  • Scottish Apprenticeship Week

    2nd March 2020 by

    When I visited Arnold Clark’s training facility in Glasgow recently I couldn’t help but be impressed. Yes, the facilities are great and the investment in staff is clearly a priority. But what impressed me the most was the enthusiastic group of young female automotive apprentices I met, and the support they were getting both from...

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  • Digital skills success – first graduates from £1 million scheme

    21st January 2020 by

    People out of work and those on low incomes have been helped to develop their digital skills through a new fund. Digital Economy Minister Kate Forbes met with some of the first beneficiaries of the £1 million Digital Start Fund, who have graduated from CodeClan, to hear how the specialist training has helped them achieve...

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  • Foundation Apprenticeships receive further recognition – Skills Minister Jamie Hepburn

    13th January 2020 by

    To meet the future skills needs of Scotland’s economy it is vital industry and educational institutions work together. Foundation Apprenticeships are an important part of building strong links between the two and, crucially, equipping young people with the skills they need to progress onto a successful career or further education. I am delighted that the...

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  • Tackling unfair delivery charges – Business Minister Jamie Hepburn

    24th December 2019 by

    With the festive season in full swing, buying presents is at the forefront of our minds. And as more of us choose to buy our gifts online, I am concerned that there is still a difference in how parcels are delivered in rural and island areas of Scotland compared to the rest of the United...

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  • Comment on creation of a train manufacturing plant in Longannet

    19th December 2019 by

    Commenting on the decision to approve planning for the creation of a train manufacturing plant in Longannet, Transport and Infrastructure Secretary Michael Matheson said: “This positive planning decision is a significant milestone for Scotland’s partnership with Talgo. It both moves us closer to the creation of 1,000 high quality, highly skilled jobs and demonstrates what...

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  • Paul Wheelhouse on Scotland’s energy sector

    11th December 2019 by

    This year was a significant one for Scotland’s energy sector, most notably with the Scottish Government declaring a climate emergency, and outlining our commitment to become a net-zero emissions economy and society by 2045. Our Programme for Government (PfG) outlined the key role renewable energy sources will play in reducing emissions and decarbonising Scotland’s transport...

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  • Shop local this Christmas

    6th December 2019 by

    Shoppers are being urged to buy local this festive season ahead of Small Business Saturday. Business Minister Jamie Hepburn is championing the work of more than 350,000 small businesses in Scotland by encouraging people to support local firms when doing their Christmas shopping. Mr Hepburn said: “Small businesses are the backbone of the Scottish economy,...

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  • Campbeltown Economic Summit

    18th November 2019 by

    An economic forum is being held in Campbeltown to explore development opportunities following the announcement of possible redundancies at two of the town’s biggest employers. Ministers will meet with local councillors, enterprise agencies, trades unions and local employers to identify opportunities to regenerate the local economy. Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “The devastating news...

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  • Chair of the Scottish National Investment Bank

    15th November 2019 by

    Economy Secretary Derek Mackay has welcomed the appointment of Willie Watt as the first Chair of the Board of the Scottish National Investment Bank. Mr Mackay said:  “I’m delighted to appoint Willie Watt as the first Chair of the Board of the Scottish National Investment Bank. “The Bank has the opportunity to transform and grow...

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  • Selling Scotland on the global stage

    12th November 2019 by

    Scotland is to be one of 192 countries represented at a global event aimed at driving innovation and collaboration across the world. World Expo Dubai 2020 will showcase Scotland as a global trading nation and world-leading destination for business, education and tourism. The World Expo is one of the world’s longest-running and largest international events....

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