The Scottish Government in the USA

Those living on Scottish islands enjoy higher levels of life satisfaction.      Data from the Office of National Statistics and included in The Scottish Government’s Scottish Islands Data Dashboard, shows that while Scotland as a whole enjoys a high level of life satisfaction, those living on Scottish islands poll higher still, with the Outer Hebrides leading on 8.2 out of 10.      Scottish islands are known for their outstanding natural beauty, a strong community spirit and environmental sustainability. These attributes are likely to contribute toward islanders’ sense of satisfaction.      The isle of Eigg – just south of Skye – is a vibrant island community. In fact, the islanders themselves have owned the island since 1997, even running their own renewable energy generation system. Eigg’s dramatic scenery and rich wildlife is a draw for tourists, boosting the local economy. 

Earlier this week, Historic Environment Scotland, spoke to audiences in NYC and DC about their important work protecting Scotland's invaluable cultural and historic assets for future generations. Learn more about their vital work here: https://lnkd.in/e8BraHzD

Last night we were delighted to host a tasting and reception alongside Scottish Development International to highlight 10 Scottish gin brands in the US market. Guests from the food and drink industry were able to sample a range of products and learn more about Scotland's exports to the US. With thanks to Arbikie USA, Isle of Raasay Distillery, The Secret Garden Distillery, Caorunn Gin, Feragaia, Lind & Lime Gin, Isle of Harris Distillers Ltd., Eight Lands - Organic Spirits, Eden Mill, and Rock Rose Gin.

👋 Hello Boston! Today JetBlue and Edinburgh Airport announced a new route between Boston and Edinburgh which will run daily from May to October. The number of American travellers to Scotland has grown dramatically in recent years and this latest route is a fantastic addition to Scotland's international connectivity. Image credit: Lesley Martin

US businesses continue to choose Scotland as a destination for investment in the energy transition ⬇️

Today, we are sharing with you a Letter to Scotland from Ross Hunter, one of our GlobalScots based in the USA, and founder and chairman of Copylab Ltd, about opportunities to do business in the US. 🌍 America is Still Open For Business 🌍 “America’s burning, the market is tanking, we’re all doomed!” Scroll the headlines and that is the mood music. Look up from the screen and the picture changes fast. The S&P is off barely five percent year-to-date, still ten percent higher than a year ago and almost double its level five years back. Boston’s restaurants are jammed on Friday nights, the airport is humming, conference halls are buzzing. Yes, tariffs will sting import-reliant manufacturers and retailers, and federal contract delays are real. But financial and professional services, biotech and higher-ed – the engines of this city – are still running hot. 📈 America is complicated, not comatose. My GlobalScot calendar proves it. Twenty Scottish life sciences firms are coming to BIO 2025 in June and we are lining up relevant opportunities to connect before they arrive. I’m working with the Scottish Development International team and FinTech Scotland to explore opportunities to attend Boston Fintech Week in October. And two Glasgow companies I met on my last visit back in February already have tangible wins: one now has a solution for its US banking setup problem, another met prospective clients and partners though my GlobalScot intro. Why does that matter? Because, amid tariff talk and post-election noise, US buyers still ask a single question: do I trust this partner to deliver? What does that mean for Scottish companies: how can they demonstrate trust? In many ways. It’s easy – show up prepared, answer quickly, offer proof in the first meeting and commit to this market. To widen our reach, a group of Boston-based GlobalScots has come together to form a GlobalScot Regional Advisory Group to support companies to enter this market. We aim to be a single front door for Scottish leaders in life sciences, fintech (and FS more broadly), or indeed any venture that sees Boston as the right beachhead. We bring networks, insight and – just as importantly – the willingness to answer the phone when you land at Logan Airport with a head full of possibilities. Opportunity rarely waits for perfect conditions. America is open. The only question is whether you are ready to walk through the door. 🔔 Give us a bell. We’re busy – and that is exactly how we like it. To get in touch, register for free GlobalScot support at www.globalscot.com to start making connections which can make and shape your future business strategy. #internationaltrade #GlobalScot #globalnetworks #ScotlandIsNow #lifesciences #fintech #BIO2025 Scottish Enterprise

When global companies seek expansion, they look for a unique combination of innovation, talent, and support. Come to Scotland and that's exactly what you'll get, as Californian tech company, UserTesting, can testify to 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 What began as an initial base outside of the US, the San Francisco-based company's Edinburgh office is now its largest, with ambition to grow even further 📈💪 With our support, the company was able to scale at pace and seize the market opportunity in Europe, its fastest-growing market. "SDI did a fantastic job listening to what we wanted to achieve, setting up an on-the-ground visit. We visited various companies, explored office spaces and met with the universities in Edinburgh and Glasgow. We talked with recruiting firms to help us onboard people, and were introduced to a law firm to assist with legal matters. It was an outstanding experience, and SDI played a significant role in making it happen." Andy MacMillan, CEO at UserTesting. Read more about UserTesting's successful move to Scotland 👉 https://ow.ly/LHwc50VTj51 #ScotlandIsNow #FDI

Fish Shop Washington DC is proud of its Scottish Connections - with Scottish inspired dishes, drinks and decor found throughout the restaurant.     Originally born in Ballater, Scotland, Fish Shop DC practices sustainability and values local craftmanship.    Angela Eastman from North Carolina and Helen Jackson from Aberdeenshire created the two-toned wicker fish hanging above the bar from invasive wisteria from Scotland and willow from the United States.     Check out Fish Shop DC to learn more about this Scottish-inspired restaurant: https://fishshopdc.com/

A new Six Point Export Plan has been drawn up in the Programme for Government, to help Scottish companies with overseas trade. Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes visited Edinburgh’s Summerhall Distillery, which produces spirits sold in more than 12 countries around the world.

With the global shift towards clean energy and net-zero targets, Scotland's rich history and expertise in the energy sector has positioned the country as a hub for offshore wind and subsea innovation. Aberdeen-based Rotech Subsea Ltd a global provider of subsea cable trenching solution, has embraced this transition, developing versatile solutions and services that are unique to international seabed excavation and customer requirements. The firm has a continued drive for innovation that has solidified its position as a global provider for subsea route clearance, trenching, asset burial and de-burial - critical processes in offshore wind and energy transition projects. It has been supporting the rapidly growing market in Taiwan for the last 5 years, and has contracted for every major operational offshore wind farm in the US, expanding its footprint with a base in Rhode Island. As the global energy transition community explores the latest developments in Scotland's renewables landscape this week at #AllEnergy25 in Glasgow, find out why Rotech appeals to global customers when they could choose a contractor from elsewhere in the world 👉 https://ow.ly/tZ5n50VPTXq #ScotlandIsNow #EnergyTransition