Latest news with #KirstyMcNeill
The Herald Scotland
5 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Scotland must build on its growing global reputation
One standout moment was leading a delegation of 16 exceptional Scottish women entrepreneurs to Barcelona, alongside UK Government Minister Kirsty McNeill. This Scotland Office-led mission wasn't just about trade; it was about unlocking untapped business potential. If women-led businesses exported at the same rate as men, Scotland's trade could grow by over £10 billion in just two years. Yet only 2p in every £1 of investment goes to women. That's not just a gender gap but a massive economic opportunity missed. These businesswomen, representing sectors from food and drink to tech and legal services, proved what's possible when ambition meets opportunity. The Barcelona trip reinforced a clear message: in a time of global uncertainty, Scotland cannot retreat from the world but must reach out. We are leading in sectors like digital, AI, advanced manufacturing, space and green energy but are we telling that story boldly enough? I want more people to know about the exciting achievements of brilliant companies like Alba Orbital and Spire, which have made Scotland the top manufacturer of small satellites in Europe. And I want more people to discover our growing strengths in AI and robotics, where the National Manufacturing Institute and Heriot-Watt University's Robotarium are breaking new ground. Scotland's entrepreneurial spark is alive and thriving now. Take co-founders Dr Sally Beattie and Emer Bustard who started Lazy Day Foods in North Lanarkshire after being inspired by their personal experience with food allergies and intolerances and are now exporting to UAE, Europe and North America. Or Jacine Rutasikwa, co-founded the Matugga Distillery in 2018, and was one of the first in the UK to produce rum from scratch. The Livingston-based distillery produces a multi-award-winning range of handcrafted spirits which are distributed across the UK and Europe. Or Leigh Fell, Founder & CEO of Caritas Bioscience, a life sciences company based in Edinburgh focusing on clinical trials and is involved in the oncology field. I love Scotland but returning from holiday made my heart sink Edinburgh firm outguns forecasts after snubbing £1bn takeover approach 'Confusion and uncertainty': Scotch whisky rocked by global upheaval Scots legal giant cites 'resilience and ambition' as latest results revealed These are the shining examples today of a nation that has never stopped inventing. From expanding Scotland's contributions to science and exciting new products in food and drink, these Scots are proving that innovation is in our DNA. The economic performance backs it up: despite global pressures, Scotland's GDP per capita remains one of the highest in the UK outside London. Our export economy is worth £35 billion annually, with the USA accounting for £4.6 billion of that. And we're not standing still. Emerging sectors like green hydrogen, quantum computing and sustainable tourism are already turning heads globally. This momentum will be on full display as Scotland prepares to welcome the 47th US President. As leader of the world's largest economy, President Trump's presence offers a timely opportunity to showcase Scotland's industrial strengths, renew our commercial ties with the US, and drive forward investment and job creation. This is a moment to demonstrate the scale of our export potential and to advance opportunities for stronger trade terms and deeper commercial partnerships. Our recent trade mission to New York laid valuable foundations, and we're already building momentum with further US business visits scheduled for this year and plans underway for participation in Tartan Week 2026. Our goal is clear: grow Scottish exports, attract US investment, and champion Scotland as a global business hub. That message was front and centre when I sat down with one of the most influential voices in global media: The New York Times. I made the case clearly that Scotland is a strategic gateway to both European and global markets. We combine world-class research, skilled talent and a strong entrepreneurial culture. Our time zone, language and legal system make us a natural hub for international operations. And the message is landing. According to the latest EY Attractiveness Survey, Scotland is the top UK destination for inward investment outside London. Investors are drawn to our skilled workforce, innovation ecosystem, and unmatched quality of life. We offer a stable, transparent, and welcoming environment for long-term investment. But we can't stop there. To truly unlock Scotland's global potential, we must tackle trade barriers, improve access to talent, and build on the momentum of the new UK-EU trade agreement. It's a pragmatic step toward rebuilding one of our most important trading relationships and making it easier for Scottish firms to compete across Europe. Scotland's global trade performance is relevant to us all. It's a driver of jobs, prosperity, and investment. With the right policies, we can create an environment that allows our incredible Scottish entrepreneurs to reach new heights. Because when Scotland trades, Scotland thrives. Liz Cameron is chief executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce
The National
5 days ago
- Business
- The National
Scotland to Europe ferry continues to face delays
No further progress has been made since it was announced in January that the Rosyth to Dunkirk ferry was expected to be delayed until spring 2026. The National reported at the time that this was due to issues with border control in Rosyth and continued funding delays. And now, DFDS, the ferry operator planning the route, has confirmed that no progress has been made since then. READ MORE: 'Long overdue': Scotland reacts as UK voting aged lowered to 16 French outlet Connexion reports that the Rosyth port requires an upgrade before the service can launch. DFDS has already asked the Scottish Government for grants to cover the cost of installing passenger-handling facilities and customs-related equipment at Rosyth. A spokesperson for DFDS told Connexion: Given the time that it will take to get the service up and running, that means I do not see the service starting this summer." Earlier this month, Scotland Office minister Kirsty McNeill said discussions set to take place in the coming weeks. She told Parliament on July 2: "My officials are in touch with the company behind the new proposed new route and relevant Scottish Government and DEFRA officials are looking at arranging a meeting as early as next week to look at possible solutions that would allow this project to go ahead." READ MORE: 'Disturbed': MP hits out after armed police threaten peaceful pro-Palestine protester The Scottish Government has previously said that it supports the development of Scotland's ports and the potential for new passenger ferry services linking it to mainland Europe. DFDS reportedly has a ship for the route, while Dunkirk port has said it is fully ready for the service to begin. The route is expected to run three weekly return sailings. Once operational, it is estimated that around 80,000 passengers will use the service each year.
Daily Record
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
John Swinney 'from age of Taggart rather than Department Q', claims Labour minister
Kirsty McNeill made the jibe about the two Scottish crime dramas in the House of Commons on Wednesday morning. John Swinney is "from the age of Taggart" rather than Department Q, a Scotland Office minister has said. Kirsty McNeill made the jibe about the two Scottish crime dramas in the House of Commons on Wednesday morning. Taggart ran from 1983 to 2010, while Department Q came out earlier this year. It comes after Labour Health Secretary Wes Streeting branded the First Minister an "analogue politican" in a row over Scotland's NHS app. The comment was mentioned by Labour's Kenneth Stevenson during Scotland Office Questions. The Airdrie and Shotts MP said: "It's refreshing to have a UK Government to committed to investing in and developing AI, in comparison to John Swinney and the Scottish Government, stuck in an analogue age, unable to even provide patients and staff with a functioning NHS app." assessment. "I'm afraid the First Minister is from the age of Taggart, when what's upon us is the age of Department Q." There was little reaction from MPs in the chamber. Scottish ITV series Taggart was known as one of the UK's longest running shows. The hit programme, which had a total of 27 seasons, followed a group of detectives as they solved crimes around Glasgow. The show became well-know for lead actor Mark McManus' catchphrase, "There's been a murder. Edinburgh-based Department Q was released on Netflix at the end of May this year. It has several Scottish stars including Chloe Pirrie, Kelly Macdonald, Shirley Henderson, Mark Bonnar and Jamie Sives. The programme follows detective Carl Morck, who sets up a cold case unit following a shooting incident in which he was badly wounded. Streeting blasted Swinney after it was announced England's NHS app it is expanding before Scotland has even managed to get its version off the ground. The UK Government announced proposals to improve England and Wales' NHS app last week - saying it would give patients a "doctor in your pocket". Scotland's version will only go on a limited trial earlier this year, with a full rollout not expected for till 2030. England's app came out six years ago and the plans will be implemented by 2028.
Scotsman
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Scotsman
Midlothian affairs mean a busy first year in office for me
Midlothian MP Kirsty McNeill It's been a year since I became your MP, so given you are my boss it's time for an annual the most important objective I have is supporting you with problems, so I prioritised setting up an accessible office on Dalkeith High Street. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... We have a team running an 'always on' advice service ,so if you need help just email or call - you don't have to wait for a specific time of the month. We prioritise the most urgent cases first so if your question is not time sensitive, expect a wee delay. So far, we have handled over 4107 cases where folk have asked for our help or for information and have returned £17,207 to people's pockets through our casework. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Before the election I promised that I'll always fight for your family as if it's my own. I've tried to live by that in big ways, like fighting for a record settlement for the Scottish Government at the budget which has meant Midlothian Council had £14 million extra to deliver local services. Prof Mark Parsons, Supercomputer Director from Edinburgh University's Advanced Computing Facility at Roslin But I've also tried to live by it in more tailored ways too, like setting up the local Disabled Children's Forum for parents and carers of disabled children to support each other and pressure me, as I know how exhausting and lonely it can be doing it all alone. Supporting family finances has always been a big priority, so I'm really pleased that there have been four interest rate cuts since Labour came to office, thanks to the stability we've returned to the economy. One in 20 Midlothian workers have had a pay rise thanks to increases to the National Minimum and Living Wage. And both the creation of GB Energy and the expansion of the Warm Home Discount show our commitment to bringing down bills for good. Family life, of course, doesn't take place in a vacuum and I know that one of the best things I can do for our communities is help our local economy grow. That's why I recently brought together a packed room of local business leaders for the first Midlothian Growth Summit. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad We heard from fantastic speakers from the Midlothian Chambers of Commerce, Scottish Tourism Alliance and the Scottish Hospitality Group among others but I think the one everyone was most interested to hear from was the Supercomputer Director from Edinburgh University's Advanced Computing Facility at Roslin. The UK Government has just announced £750 million in funding for the supercomputer so it was a lovely way to celebrate this huge news for Midlothian. Earlier in the year the UK Government announced £5 million for a study into the extension of the Borders Railway and support for 600 Midlothian homes and businesses to get broadband upgrades, so I'm pleased we have seen so much investment in Midlothian in just a year. Supporting local groups and charities is also really important to me, particularly our local miners' welfare and social clubs. I was pleased to bring clubs from all across Scotland together at Bilston Miners and we are working with clubs across England and Wales too on the Club Together campaign, generating proposals for government about how to help clubs thrive. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad I was really pleased so many local organisations came to the funding workshop I did with the People's Postcode Lottery too - please do sign up to Midlothian Matters and follow me on Facebook for more funding information and ways to get involved in local organisations. Two final bits of news you might have missed. Very early on this Labour government fixed the injustice of the Mineworkers' Pension Scheme, boosting the pensions of nearly 1000 ex-miners in Midlothian by 32 per cent. And thanks to our commitment to our armed forces we will see improvements to 179 Midlothian military homes. The people who powered this country and the people who defend this country will always have my heart. This is what I've prioritised in year one. Let me know what you'd like me to focus on in year two.
The Herald Scotland
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Pups wanted for Edinburgh's Armed Forces Day Dog Show
The charity's annual dog show will take place at Edinburgh Napier Universiy's Craiglockhart Campus on the 28th of June. It costs just £2.50 to enter a dog in one of the judging categories, which include Most Aerodynamic Ears, Best Beard, Best Salute and Best Dog in the World that hasn't won a rosette… yet! Members of the public can attend for free. BRAVEHOUND's founder and CEO Fiona MacDonald said: 'This is the seventh year we have held this Armed Forces Day event. It's a really fun day out for all the family and people who come along will also get the chance to meet some of our BRAVEHOUNDS, which make a huge difference in the lives of veterans. "Our dogs are exceptional and their training is tailored to the individual needs of the military veterans. This could mean picking up objects like medication, putting themselves in the way of their veteran and others to ensure personal space or just giving a cuddle on demand. 'We'd love people to come along and take part. You don't have to register your dog in advance, you can just turn up." VIP judges include Kirsty McNeill, Under Secretary of State for Scotland, the Scottish Veterans Commissioner Susie Hamilon, and the US Consul General for Scotland. More information can be found at
