International relations of Scotland

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First minister Sturgeon with President of the European Commission, 2017
First minister Yousaf with President of Iceland, Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, 2024
Scotland House, the Scottish Government office in London

International relations of Scotland include the promotion of Scotland and its culture and education and research, the Economy of Scotland, Scottish interests abroad and positioning Scotland internationally as a global, responsible country. The responsibility for Scotland's international relations ultimately rests with the First Minister of Scotland, who is supported in international relations and overseas visits by the Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture. Scottish culture is celebrated in a number of countries worldwide, a symbolism of the approximately 40 million Scottish diaspora globally. Events such as Tartan Day are celebrated in the United States, Canada and New Zealand annually.[1]

The Scottish Government has connections with a variety of countries globally such as the United States, China, Canada, India and Pakistan through respective engagement strategies established in conjunction with each countries respective governments. Ministers from the Scottish Government promote Scotland through other measures, including attending events and conducting ministerial engagements within Europe, the promotion of enhanced Scottish-Arctic relations, as defined in the government's Arctic Connections: Scotland's Arctic policy framework (2019), as well as participating in a number of engagements with the United Nations, such as the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals.[2]

Scotland and the Scottish Government have international relations with businesses, governments and parliaments of other countries, regions and unions, such as the European Union. As of 2023, Scotland has a total of nine Scottish Government offices in Beijing, Berlin, Brussels, Copenhagen, Dublin, London, Ottawa, Paris and Washington D.C.. The Scottish Government plan on opening a further office in Warsaw by the end of the current parliamentary term.[3] A further thirty international offices of Scotland are currently operating in a further twenty countries.[3] Scottish offices in other countries act as a mechanism to promote collaboration and engagement between the Scottish Government and other international governments. Two Scotland Houses, one in London and another in Brussels are both independent establishments created by the Scottish Government to promote Scotland, the economy and investment in these areas. Additionally, Scotland has eight Scottish Government international offices, and over thirty Scottish Development International offices globally, with seven Scottish Government offices based in British embassies or British High Commission offices.[4]

This article is part of a series within the
Politics of the United Kingdom on the
Politics of Scotland
The Crown

Charles III

William, Duke of Rothesay

Executive

Yousaf government

The Rt Hon Humza Yousaf MSP

Shona Robison MSP

Legislature

Sixth session

Alison Johnstone MSP

Law and justice

Keith Brown MSP

Dorothy Bain KC

The Rt Hon Lord Carloway KC PC

Elections and referendums
Scottish Parliament elections

United Kingdom Parliament elections

European Parliament elections

Local elections

Referendums
Scotland and the United Kingdom

Sunak ministry

The Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP

The Rt Hon Alister Jack MP

Administration

Overview[edit]

Scottish Government offices internationally

The Scottish Government, along with the other devolved governments of the United Kingdom, pay the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office an annual charge to be able to access facilities and support in the Embassy or High Commission in which the Scottish international offices are based. The Scottish Government's international network allows Scottish Government ministers to engage with other international governments and bodies in relation to the government's policy objectives as well as that of Scottish businesses. Additionally, the international network of the Scottish Government acts as a mechanism to promote and strengthen the Scottish economy by creating opportunities for Scottish businesses to increase export sales of Scottish products, whilst working with their current, and any future, foreign investors to establish and maintain Scottish jobs in the goods sector.[5]

The objectives of the Scottish Government's international framework, created to promote Scotland globally, focuses primarily on:

  • Relationships and partnerships
  • Reputation and attractiveness
  • Global outlook
  • European Union

The Scottish Government has long committed to advocating for, and protecting, Scotland's place in both the European continent and the European Union, a union of other European countries in which Scotland, along with the rest of the United Kingdom, was a member of until 2020. The government has advocated for a continuation of strong Scottish–European Union relations as a result of "many benefits" such as the "economic, social and cultural", with the Scottish Government "committed to exploring all available options to protect our place, and interests, in Europe".[6]

The Scottish Government has at least one office in the following countries:

History[edit]

McLeish with President of the United States George W. Bush in the Oval Office, April 2001

Kingdom of Scotland[edit]

Further information: Kingdom of Scotland and Treaty of Union 1707

Scotland's international relations as an independent country were more state-like and included military action and treaties. After the Act of Union of 1707, Scottish civic society exercised influence over international affairs through the British state, military and colonial service.

Ambassadors of Scotland[edit]

The following is a list of individuals who, at one point, were appointed as an ambassador of the Kingdom of Scotland to other countries:[7]

Scottish Ambassadors to  Denmark

Scottish Ambassadors to the England Kingdom of England

Scottish Ambassadors to  France

Scottish Ambassadors to the  Holy See

Bilateral relations of Scotland[edit]

First Minister McConnell greets U.S. President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush at Glasgow Prestwick Airport ahead of the G8 Summit, 2005

The Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of Scotland engaged in a number of battles with each other. Both countries were independent prior to the Treaty of Union 1707, and fought typically over land, and the Anglo-Scottish border frequently changed as a result. Prior to the establishment of the two kingdoms, in the 10th and 9th centuries, their predecessors, the Northumbrians, Picts and Dal Riatans, also fought a number of battles. Major conflicts between the two parties include the Wars of Scottish Independence (1296–1357), and the Rough Wooing (1544–1551), as well as numerous smaller campaigns and individual confrontations. In 1603, England and Scotland were joined in a "personal union" when King James VI of Scotland succeeded to the throne of England as King James I. War between the two states largely ceased, although the Wars of the Three Kingdoms in the 17th century, and the Jacobite risings of the 18th century, are sometimes characterised as Anglo-Scottish conflicts.

Scotland experienced a number of invasions by England, such as the English invasion of Scotland (1296) which occurred in retaliation to the Scottish treaty with France, the renouncing of fealty of John, King of Scotland, and the Scottish raids which occurred in Northern England. Two years later, the English invaded Scotland again during the English invasion of Scotland (1298), a military campaign undertaken by Edward I of England in retaliation to a Scottish uprising in 1297, the defeat of the English army at the Battle of Stirling Bridge and Scottish raids into Northern England. While the English defeated a Scottish army at the Battle of Falkirk, Edward I, hampered by food shortages, was only able to reach Stirling before heading back to England. Scotland was invaded by England a further four times – in 1300, 1385, 1400 and 1482.

In sports, the England–Scotland football rivalry between the England and Scotland national football teams,[8][9] is the oldest international fixture in the world, first played in 1872 at Hamilton Crescent, Glasgow. Scottish nationalism has been a factor in the Scots' desire to defeat England above all other rivals, with Scottish sports journalists traditionally referring to the English as the "Auld Enemy".[10]

The historical Kingdom of Scotland and Kingdom of France experienced a close economic, military and personal relationship which was known as the Auld Alliance. The Auld Alliance Treaty was drafted in 1295 between Scotland and France against England. The alliance played a significant role in the relations among Scotland, France and England. The alliance was renewed by all the French and Scottish monarchs of that period except Louis XI.[11] By the late 14th century, the renewal occurred regardless of whether either kingdom was at war with England at the time.[12] The alliance began with the treaty signed by John Balliol and Philip IV of France in 1295 against Edward I of England. The terms of the treaty stipulated that if either country were attacked by England, the other country would invade English territory. The 1513 Battle of Flodden, where the Scots invaded England in response to the English campaign against France, was one such occasion. Thomas Randolph, Earl of Moray, negotiated the renewal of the alliance in 1326. The alliance played an important role in the Wars of Scottish Independence, the Hundred Years' War, the War of the League of Cambrai, and the Rough Wooing.

The alliance underwent a dramatic revival when it was formally reviewed in 1512 and again in 1517 and 1548. Scotland still suffered badly following the death of James IV and most of his nobles at Flodden in 1513. Periodic Anglo-French and Anglo-Scottish conflict throughout the sixteenth century continued, but the certainties that had driven the Auld Alliance were disappearing. As Protestantism gained ground in Scotland, more and more people favoured closer links with England than with France.[13]

In a speech which he delivered in Edinburgh in June 1942, Charles de Gaulle described the alliance between Scotland and France as "the oldest alliance in the world". He also declared that:[14]

In every combat where for five centuries the destiny of France was at stake, there were always men of Scotland to fight side by side with men of France, and what Frenchmen feel is that no people has ever been more generous than yours with its friendship.

In 1995, celebrations were held in both countries marking the 700th anniversary of the beginning of the alliance.[12] After extensive research, British historian Siobhan Talbott concluded that the Auld Alliance had never been formally revoked and that it endured and thrived long after the Acts of Union in 1707 and the Entente Cordiale of 1904.[15][16] Scotland and France continue to share a close relationship, and the French Institute for Scotland aims to promote French language and culture in Scotland, and the Auld Alliance Trophy in the Six Nations Championship is held annually between the national rugby teams of France and Scotland.

In 1653, Scotland joined England and the Kingdom of Ireland to form the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland (also known as The Protectorate), which existed until 1659. During this period, Oliver Cromwell, the Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland, faced challenges in foreign policy. The First Anglo-Dutch War, which had broken out in 1652, against the Dutch Republic, was eventually won by Admiral Robert Blake in 1654. Having negotiated peace with the Dutch, Cromwell then proceeded to engage the Spanish Empire in warfare through his Western Design. That involved secret preparations for an attack on the Spanish colonies in the Caribbean and resulted in the invasion of Jamaica, which then became an English colony.[17][18] The Lord Protector became aware of the contribution the Jewish community made to the economic success of the Netherlands, now England's leading commercial rival. Allied to Cromwell's toleration of private worship of non-Puritans, that led to his encouragement of Jews to return to England, 350 years after their banishment by Edward I, in the hope that they would help speed up the recovery of the country after the disruption of the Civil Wars.[19]

In 1655 a crypto-Jew known as Simón de Casseres proposed to Cromwell a plan to take over Spanish-rule Chile with only four ships and a thousand men. However English plans to engage in Chile came into fruition only in 1669, with John Narborough's expedition.[20] After the Battle of the Dunes (1658), the town of Dunkirk was awarded by France to the Protectorate. It would be sold back to France by Charles II in 1662.

Scottish Colonialism 1603–1964[edit]

Further information Scottish colonization of the Americas

Like other European nations, Scotland engaged in colonial expansion in the 17th century whilst it was an independent country.

Arms of the Company of Scotland

In a joint-enterprise with England, Scottish planters settled Ulster in 1603, ultimately laying the foundation of Northern Ireland. Scotland would later unsuccessfully attempt to colonise Nova Scotia in the 1620s and infamously suffered financial ruin in the 1690s after the Darien scheme failed colonisation attempt by the Company of Scotland in modern-day Panama. The failure of Scotland's colonisation attempts influenced members of the Parliament of Scotland in seeking Union with England in 1707 in order to gain access to English overseas possessions.

After the Acts of Union 1707 Scotland would continue to engage in colonial expansion through the umbrella of the newly-christened British Empire. Due to Scotland's limited autonomy and distinct identity, the Empire was the primary mode of interaction between Scottish civic society and the outside world. Scottish institutions such as the Church of Scotland were at the forefront of imperial expansion and Scotland had a disproportionate impact on the Empire and wider world. Areas of the Empire that were subject to heavy Scottish influence include Canada, Southern New Zealand, Malawi, the Caribbean and Myanmar.

1990s–present[edit]

First Minister Sturgeon addresses the United Nations assembly in 2017
Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop in India, 2012

Prior to the 1990s, Scotland's primary outlet for international relations and affairs had been the empire. However organisations such as the Scottish Council Development and Industry, founded in 1931, engaged with international affairs as they related to trade and the economy.[21]

The 1990s saw an increase in Scottish civic society's capacity to engage with international affairs, following a post-imperial decline. After the 1992 general election, Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Lang and Conservative MP for Galloway and Upper Nithsdale established Scotland Europa in Brussels. This served as an unofficial embassy to promote national and local interests including business, industry and culture.[22]

Scotland Europa is an organisation which aims to provide a presence and networking opportunities across Europe, project support and policy advice to members. Members include universities, research and business groups as well as non-profit and government organisations.[23] Before the Scottish Parliament was re-convened in 1999, Scottish international engagement was mostly done via civic society and UK government quangos including Scotland Europa. Devolution allowed the provided Scotland with an autonomous voice in international affairs via the Scottish Government. The initial Scottish government headed by First minister Donald Dewer added to this by opening an office in Brussels in 1999. Although the 1998 Scotland Act denotes foreign relations as being reserved by the UK Parliament, Scottish governments have pursued an autonomous foreign policy.[24]

Since devolution, paradiplomacy has occurred via economic development, tourism, promotion of culture and nation-building as well as projecting a positive image of Scotland internationally. Part of this related to the SNP Scottish government's support for independence. Some aspects of nation-building was also evident in the Scottish Labour-led devolved governments of Henry McLeish and Jack McConnell.[21]

Government policy over the last twenty years has included diaspora-relationships related to the economy and culture with Australia, Canada, and the USA; long-term relationship with China; international development with Africa and Pakistan. There has also been involvement in EU bodies like the Committee of the Regions and the Council of European Municipalities and Regions and in non-EU organizations including the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions and the North Sea Commission.[21]

Local partnerships have also occurred e.g. Aberdeen City Council having partners with energy areas in Brazil, Canada, Faroe Islands, Kazakhstan, and Mexico. Edinburgh is established as a UNESCO City of Literature and was involved in creating the Creative Cities network.[21]

Intergovernmental disagreement[edit]

First Minister Salmond meets with Mayor of Chicago Rahm Emanuel in 2012

In the aftermath of the 2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum, the Scottish Government explored how to maintain links with the EU. This was in opposition to the policy of the UK Government, which sought to negotiate on behalf of all constituent nations of the UK and secure a exit arrangement that covered the whole UK.

On 24 June, Sturgeon said she would communicate to all EU member states that Scotland had voted to stay in the EU.[25] An emergency Scottish cabinet meeting on 25 June agreed that the Scottish Government would seek to enter negotiations with the EU and its member states, to explore options to protect Scotland's place in the EU.[26][27] In response to the vote, the Scottish Government launched the Scotland's Place in Europe document,[28] a white paper setting out the Scottish Government's aims and wishes of Scotland's role in Europe post-Brexit. Sturgeon later said that while she believed in Scottish independence, her starting point in these discussions was to protect Scotland's relationship with the EU.[29] One option that was explored was access to the European Economic Area via EFTA membership for Scotland.[30] However, other EFTA states have stated that only sovereign states are eligible for membership, so it could only join if it became independent from the UK.[31]

In 2020, Scotland left the EU on the same terms as England and Wales under the Brexit withdrawal agreement. Northern Ireland's relationship with the bloc is governed by the Northern Ireland Protocol, which maintains an open border with the Republic of Ireland by keeping Northern Ireland in the EU single market for goods.[32]

In 2023, Conservative Secretary of State for Scotland, Alister Jack said to the Scottish Affairs Committee that he did not approve of; former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon discussing the constitution with a US official in 2022; constitution secretary Angus Robertson discussing the Erasmus and Turing schemes in France; former business minister Ivan McKee stating in Poland that Brexit had been a mistake. Conservative Foreign Secretary James Cleverly responded by instructing UK diplomats to be present during visits involving Scottish ministers and banned MPSs from lobbying for Scotland.[33]

In October 2023, Cleverly threatened to pull foreign office support for SNP ministers after First minister Humza Yousaf blocked UK diplomats from a meeting with the prime minister of Iceland.[34]

In December 2023, it was again claimed by the UK Government that they would withdraw all co-operation with Scottish Government ministers following a meeting between First Minister Humza Yousaf and President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the COP28 summit which occurred between November and December, 2023. British Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, claimed the meeting was a "breach of protocol" as there was no official from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office present during the meeting between Yousaf and Erdoğan. In response, Cameron wrote to the Scottish Government's Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, Angus Robertson, highlighting that despite assurances from the Scottish Government that any meetings would be made known to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the meeting between Yousaf and Erdoğan had taken place "without sufficient advance notice" which would allow "one of his officials to attend the meeting", claiming that this "was not done". Cameron also highlighted that "any further breaches of the protocol of ministerial meetings to have an FCDO official present will result in no further FCDO facilitation of meetings or logistical support".[35] Responding to the letter and claims made by Cameron, First Minister Yousaf claimed it was "petty", and that officials from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office had been made aware of the meeting scheduled to take place, but had decided "not to remain with the Scottish delegation" after the meeting had been changed at short notice on behalf of Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.[36]

Current International Relations of Scotland[edit]

First Minister Salmond meets with Carrie Lam, Chief Secretary for Administration of the Government of Hong Kong, 2013
North America[edit]

In 2001, the Scottish Government, then the Scottish Executive, established the Scottish Government Office in Washington D.C.. Two Scottish Government staff are deployed from Scotland to the United States and are based at the Scottish Government Office, alongside two "country based" staff. As the United States is a "priority market" for the Scottish economy, 34 staff are deployed to the Washington D.C. office of the Scottish Government from the Scottish Development International (SDI) body of Scottish Enterprise, the countries national economic development agency. As of December 2023, the SDI currently operates a range of trade and investment projects from Scottish Enterprise offices in areas such as Chicago, Houston and San Jose, California, with a number of other locations around the United States.[37]

Asia[edit]

The Scottish Government China Office works closely with the ISD of Scottish Enterprise to strengthen collaboration between China and Scotland in areas such as political, economic and cultural ties, as well as education and social relations between the two countries. The Scottish Government office in China is based in Beijing, and four staff are deployed from Scotland – one from the Scottish Government and another three which are "country based" staff. A Scottish Government presence within China has existed since 2005.[38]

The Scottish Government has also worked to create closer relationships with India and Pakistan. Scottish Development International has offices in Mumbai and Islamabad. In 2016, the Scottish Government published an engagement strategy for both countries.[39][40] Shortly after his election as First Minister, Humza Yousaf met with the Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif, at the Pakistani embassy in London[41] to discuss relations between the two countries.

Europe[edit]
First Minister Yousaf meeting with European members of the Consular Corps of Scotland, 2023
First Minister Sturgeon meets with President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins, 2016

As well as being Scotland's only land border, England and Scotland are part of the United Kingdom, having both signed the Treaty of Union in 1707 and ending the independence of their respective kingdoms. In 2017, the Scottish Government opened Scotland House in London, the capital of both England and the United Kingdom, and is a collaboration between the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise (including Scottish Development International), Visit Scotland and Highland and Islands Enterprise. Scotland House in London has 14 permanent Scottish Government staff, as well as from other partnership agencies of the Scottish Government within London. As well as being used as a base for visiting Scottish ministers and Scottish Government officials, Scotland House also acts as a means to support trade and investment, strengthening relationships between the Scottish Government and the British Government and facilitate working on a number of joint issues and areas of priorities for Scotland, England and the wider United Kingdom.[42]

The Scottish Government played a minor role in the later stages of the Northern Irish peace process, hosting the British and Irish governments and Northern Irish political parties at St Andrews, Fife for multi-party talks held from 11 to 13 October 2006. The talks resulted in the St Andrews Agreement which restored the Northern Ireland Assembly, allowed for the formation (on 8 May 2007) of a new Northern Ireland Executive and resulted in Sinn Féin declaring its support for the Police Service of Northern Ireland, courts and rule of law.

The Scottish Government office in the Republic of Ireland was opened in Dublin in 2016. The establishment of a Scottish Government office in the capital city of Ireland was viewed as a means of promoting and protecting the close relationship shared between Ireland and Scotland, both prior to the Treaty of Union and since devolution. A total of four staff – two Scottish Government and two Scottish Development International specialists – make up the team of the Scottish Government office in Ireland.

Additionally, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon became the first serving head of a foreign government to address the upper house of the Irish Parliament, the Seanad, during a two-day state visit to Ireland in 2016.[43] During the two day visit, Sturgeon met with President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins and foreign affairs minister Charlie Flanagan. In her address to the Irish Parliament, Sturgeon said that "the shared history between Scotland and Ireland had created inextricable links and a bond of mutual co-operation that a consequence of Brexit in Scotland was an even sharper focus on social justice", further adding "although we share more than a thousand years of history, I hope and believe that relations between Scotland and Ireland are now stronger, warmer and more harmonious than they have ever been".[44]

Scotland has two offices in France – the Scottish Government France Office and the Scottish Development International France Office. Three staff are deployed to the Scottish Government France Office, with a further nine in the SDI France Office. Both offices aim to promote Scotland and French relationships by spearheading diplomatic and political engagements in France, with the SDI France office focusing more on trade and investment opportunities in Scotland whilst encouraging new investment opportunities in Scotland across a number of varying sectors.[45] A Scottish Government Office was established in Germany in 2018, situated in the capital city of Berlin. Together with Scottish Development International, the office promotes Scotland's political, economic and cultural relations with Germany, whilst providing opportunities for engagement between the governments of Scotland and Germany on devolved matters which are the legal responsibility of the Scottish Government.[46]

Nordics[edit]
First Minister Sturgeon meets Prime Minister of Iceland Katrín Jakobsdóttir, 2019
Map of the North Sea, showing Scotland in relation to Norway and Denmark

As the most northern constituent country of the UK, Scotland and the Nordic countries share a long history. Norse and Viking settlers ruled parts of Scotland between the 8th and 15th Centuries, with Norse rule ending only when Orkney and Shetland were pledged to King James III of Scotland in 1468 and 1469 respectively.

In the Northern Isles the Scandinavian connection remained strong centuries after Norse rule was ended. Norn, a North Germanic language, was spoken in the Northern isles until the death of the last speaker in 1850. In particular, Shetland's connection with Norway has proven to be enduring. When Norway became independent again in 1905 the Shetland authorities sent a letter to King Haakon VII in which they stated: "Today no 'foreign' flag is more familiar or more welcome in our voes and havens than that of Norway, and Shetlanders continue to look upon Norway as their mother-land, and recall with pride and affection the time when their forefathers were under the rule of the Kings of Norway."

The Norse connection is still celebrated in the Northern isles, one of the best-known such events being the Lerwick fire-festival Up Helly Aa. At the 2013 Viking Congress held in Shetland the Scottish Government announced plans to strengthen Scotland’s historic links with Scandinavia.

The most recent Scottish Government international office opened in 2022 in Denmark. Based in Copenhagen, the Scottish Government Nordic Office promotes collaboration between Scotland and the five Nordic countries, as well as establishing opportunities for greater Scottish involvement in multilateral organisations based in Copenhagen, such as the United Nations and its associated agencies.[47] Scottish Government policy advocates for stronger political relations with the Nordic and Baltic countries, which has resulted in some Nordic-inspired policies being adopted such as baby boxes.[48][49]

In 2021, a Member of Parliament from Finland said he would begin an initiative to grant Scotland "observer status" on the Nordic Council, the official body for formal inter-parliamentary Nordic cooperation among the Nordic countries. A spokesperson for the Scottish Government had previously said that the Scottish Government was "committed to exploring opportunities for even greater policy and knowledge exchange". It has been argued that modern Scotland is "more like the Nordic nations than it is the rest of the United Kingdom", leading to claims that an independent Scotland would be a "good fit" for membership of the Nordic Council.[50] Representatives from the Scottish Parliament attended the Nordic Council for the first time in 2022.[51]

Africa[edit]
First Minister Sturgeon with President of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema, 2021

Scotland provides a number of support packages to African countries, such as emergency relief for Malawi, £500,000 provided to the East African community for combat food crises, the establishment of the Zambia Development Programme, life saving research funding for Zambia, as well as £24 million in funding to Rwanda, Malawi and Zambia to tackle climate justice.[52]

Scotland maintains a close relationship with Malawi in particular. In 2005, the Scotland Malawi Partnership was formed. Links between Scotland and Malawi began with David Livingstone's journeys up the Zambezi and Shire Rivers to Lake Malawi in 1859, long before the borders of the modern nation of Malawi had been established. Both the Church of Scotland and the Free Church of Scotland had established missions in Malawi by the mid-1870s.[53] These missionaries persuaded the UK government to declare the area a British Protectorate. Colonial rule lasted, in various forms, until full independence was achieved on 6 July 1964, with Malawi becoming a member of the Commonwealth. Under colonial rule, Scottish influence was strong in Malawi. Several Scottish companies such as the African Lakes Corporation operated in Malawi and much of the land was owned by Scottish settlers, who made up the majority of the small white minority in the protectorate and utilised the labour of the native African population to extract profits from their lands. The Chilembwe uprising of 1915 was caused in part by the brutality of Scottish landowners in pursuit of this profit. The Church of Scotland would later play an important role in advocating for Malawian independence in the 1950s and 60s, ultimately helping to bring down the colonial system it ha helped establish in the 19th Century. Malawi retains the marks of the influence to this day, with several regions and cities bearing Scottish names such as Blantyre.

The Scotland Malawi partnership was officially launched in the Glasgow City Chambers on 22 April 2004 by the Lord Provosts of Glasgow and Edinburgh, with the support of Ibrahim Milazi, the High Commissioner of Malawi, and representatives from the Universities of Glasgow and Strathclyde, the Church of Scotland, and the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF).[54]

November 2005 was a significant month for the Scotland Malawi Partnership. The partnership's conference, 'Malawi After Gleneagles: A Commission for Africa Case-Study', was held at the Scottish Parliament, involving over 250 delegates from Malawi and Scotland engaged in debates about international development.[55][56] The First Minister, Jack McConnell MSP, and the late President of Malawi, Dr Bingu wa Mutharika, were keynote speakers – and during the President's visit the Cooperation Agreement between Scotland and Malawi was signed.[57]

International relations conducted by First Ministers[edit]

Donald Dewar[edit]

First Minister McLeish (right) meets with Vice-President of the European Commission Neil Kinnock, 2000

During Donald Dewar's tenure as First Minister, he made a total of five international visits – Belgium, Republic of Ireland, Netherlands, Japan and another in Ireland – before his death in October 2000.

Henry McLeish[edit]

Further information: Premiership of Henry McLeish

Henry McLeish conducted six international visits – Italy, three in Belgium, United States of America, Finland, and a joint visit to Japan and Taiwan. McLeish led the Scottish Executive's response to the September 11 attacks in the United States.[58] He was initially concerned about Scotland's defence strategy and feared the country's major cities, such as Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen, would be targets based on their economic strength and significance to the Scottish, UK and European economies.[58]

On September 13, 2001, McLeish moved a motion in the Scottish Parliament to send condolences to the people of the United States and New York.[59] Through the motion, McLeish said "the Parliament condemns the senseless and abhorrent acts of terrorism carried out in the United States yesterday and extends our deepest sympathies to those whose loved ones have been killed or injured".[60]

McLeish initially supported the War on Terror, however, twenty years on he regrets that the war ultimately turned out as a "war on Islam".[58]

Jack McConnell[edit]

Further information: Premiership of Jack McConnell
First Minister McConnell meets with President of Russia Vladamir Putin in June 2003

Henry McLeish's successor, Jack McConnell engaged in a total of 28 international visits during his tenure as First Minister between 2001 and 2007. McConnell carried out international engagements in Ireland, five in the United States, eight in Belgium, South Africa, two in Italy, Austria, three in France, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, China, Malawi, Canada and Australia. McConnell spearheaded the establishment of the Scotland Malawi Partnership in 2004, which co-ordinates the activities of Scottish individuals and organisations with existing links to Malawi, and aims to foster further links between both countries.

Alex Salmond[edit]

Further information: Premiership of Alex Salmond

Alex Salmond, Scotland's fourth First Minister from 2007 to 2014, engaged in a total of twenty overseas visits during his tenure as First Minister. Salmond's international engagements included visits to Belgium, five in the United States, Sri Lanka, three in Ireland, Spain, Hong Kong, two in China, Denmark, Guernsey, two in the Isle of Man, Norway and India.

Nicola Sturgeon[edit]

Further information: Premiership of Nicola Sturgeon
First Minister Sturgeon with Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, 2021

Sturgeon had undertaken a number of visits to Europe, North America and Asia to promote Scotland as a place of investment and Scottish businesses to trade and do business with.[61][62][63] Sturgeon has committed to strengthening links between Scotland and the African continent.[64] In response to the Brexit vote, to discuss Scotland's interests, Sturgeon travelled to Brussels to meet with both Jean-Claude Juncker, the President of the European Commission as well as Martin Schulz, the President of the European Parliament.[65][66]

Sturgeon was highly critical of Donald Trump and his policies during the 2016 United States presidential election and had publicly backed his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.[67] Sturgeon highlighted her disapproval of his language and views relating to sexism and misogyny, and stated upon Trump's victory that she hopes "Trump turns out to be a president different to the one he was during his campaign and reaches out to those who felt vilified by his campaign".[68] Sturgeon had previously stripped Trump of his ambassadorial role for Scottish businesses with the Scottish Government in the aftermath of Trump's views of an outright ban of Muslims from entering the United States. Sturgeon claimed following comments made by Trump in relation to Muslims entering the United States that he was "not fit" for the ambassadorial role with the Scottish Government.[69]

In the run up to the 2017 Catalan independence referendum, Nicola Sturgeon offered her own personal backing and that of the Scottish Government to Catalonia in the holding of a referendum.[70] The Government of Spain criticised Sturgeon, claiming she had "totally misunderstood" the situation in Spain and Catalonia.[70] Sturgeon highlighted that Spain should follow "the shining example" that was created as part of the Edinburgh Agreement between the Scottish and British Governments that allowed Scotland to hold a legally binding referendum.[71]

Sturgeon joined other leaders in condemning the actions of Vladimir Putin in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.[72][73] In response to the crisis, Sturgeon committed £4 million foreign aid to support Ukrainians.[74]

Humza Yousaf[edit]

Further information: Premiership of Humza Yousaf
First minister Yousaf with Prime Minister of Pakistan, 2023
First Minister Yousaf with U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, 2023

Yousaf entered office as First Minister on the backdrop of the Supreme Court ruling that the Scottish Government does not have the power to legislate for another referendum on Scottish independence.[75] His predecessor, Nicola Sturgeon, had, prior to leaving office, published a series of Scottish Government papers on Scottish independence, titled Building a New Scotland.[76] Yousaf's first international visit as First Minister was to Brussels in June 2023,[77] which, during a three-day visit, sought to set out his "vision for a meaningful and mutually beneficial relationship" between Scotland and the European Union.[78] Yousaf declared his desire to set up a permanent Scottish Government envoy to the European Union in Brussels to "aid the cause of independence".[79][78] Yousaf used the visit to Brussels to reiterate the SNP's position on the European Union and future membership should Scotland become independent, citing that a majority of Scottish voters voted to remain a member of the European Union in the 2016 referendum on UK membership of the European Union. However, the Spanish Government has "professed" opposition to future Scottish membership of the European Union, citing fears that a future independent Scotland would lead to advancements in Catalonia's attempts for independence from Spain. Yousaf said that the Spanish Government made it "abundantly clear" and that he "agrees with the Spanish Government - that the situation in Scotland and Catalonia are different".[80]

Yousaf and Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif met in May 2023 in London, with both Yousaf and Sharif declaring a commitment to "further strengthen historic ties between Pakistan and Scotland, including in the domains of trade, investment, education, water management, wind & solar technology and people to people links".[81] In August 2023, Yousaf attended a wreath laying ceremony in Edinburgh to commemorate Ukraine's independence day. During the event, Yousaf reaffirmed Scotland's support towards Ukraine and stated that Scotland "stands in absolute solidarity with Ukraine". He also highlighted that Scotland had welcomed more than 25,000 Ukrainian people since the Russian invasion in February 2022.[59]

Yousaf condemned Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel.[82] He called for a ceasefire in the Israel–Hamas war and criticized Israel's blockade and bombing of the Gaza Strip that killed thousands of Palestinian civilians, saying that "Israel has a right to protect itself from terror, but that cannot be at the price of innocent men, women and children who have nothing to do with those attacks. That collective punishment has to be condemned."[83][84] On 1 November 2023, he condemned Israel for the "blatant disregard for human life" after airstrikes on the Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza.[85]

International hubs[edit]

First minister Sturgeon with the President of Ireland, 2016

Scotland has international hubs that are dedicated to the following for Scotland:

  • Improve Scotland's international profile
  • Attract investment
  • Support Scottish businesses in international trade
  • Promote and secure Scottish research
  • Protect and improve Scotland's interests in the EU and internationally

Scotland has international hub offices in the following locations:

Membership Organisations[edit]

Scotland has been a member of the British-Irish Council since 1999

The First Minister, as head of government of Scotland, is a member of the Heads of Government Council, the body which facilitates intergovernmental relations between the Scottish Government, UK Government, Welsh Government, and Northern Ireland Executive.[88] Scotland is a member of the British–Irish Council and the British–Irish Parliamentary Assembly, both of which are intended to foster collaboration between the legislative bodies of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.[89][90] Representatives from the Scottish Parliament attended the Nordic Council for the first time in 2022.[51]

As one of the countries of the United Kingdom, Scotland is currently a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, the G7, the G20, the International Monetary Fund, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the World Bank, the World Trade Organization, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the United Nations.

As part of the United Kingdom, Scotland was a member of the European Union (EU), from the United Kingdom's accession in 1973 (when it was known as the European Communities), until 2020. Despite a majority of Scottish voters voting in favour of remaining part of the European Union, Scotland, with the rest of the United Kingdom, left the European Union following the United Kingdom's referendum result to withdraw from the European Union, beginning the Brexit process.[91]

Policy[edit]

International Relations Office[edit]

Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport at the Parliament of Canada, 2014

There is an International Strategy of the Scottish Parliament which is agreed upon by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body and implemented by the International Relations Office (IRO) of the Scottish Parliament. The office supports the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament and other MSPs when representing the Scottish Parliament both in the Parliament and abroad. The office also supports the Scotland Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association of which all MSPs are members, and MSPs on the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly (BIPA).[92]

Engagement strategies[edit]

The Scottish government currently has engagement strategies with the following countries:

Scottish government policy[edit]

First Minister Sturgeon with Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, 2021

The Scottish Government led by the Scottish National Party (SNP) have identified the following as part of their international affairs vision:

  • EU membership as the best option for Scotland
  • Non-nuclear NATO membership (similarly to most members including Denmark and Norway etc.)
  • Devolution of migration policy to work for the Scottish economy and society
  • Independence
  • Claim to have doubled Scotland's International Development Fund to £10 million per annum
  • Claim to have trebled the Climate Justice Fund to support countries that are most affected by climate change
  • Called on the UK government to waive visa requirements for Ukrainian nationals
  • Continue with Women's peacemaking initiative for Syria (by UN request), training at least 50 women every year from international conflict zones following
  • Support of climate change-focused fellowship
  • Oppose Trident and invest in public services and jobs & services at Faslane instead
  • Spend 0.7% of gross national income (GNI) on foreign with independence[99]

International exports[edit]

See also: Economy of Scotland
The Scotland Office of the Scottish Government in Brussels

By country[edit]

Rank Country Total export worth (2019)[100] Percentage of total (%)
1 Rest of the United Kingdom £52,040 million 59.8
2  United States £6,025 million 17.2
3  France £2,920 million 8.3
4  Netherlands £2,720 million 7.8
5  Germany £2,370 million 6.8
6  Ireland £1,445 million 4.1
7  Belgium £1,270 million 3.6
8  Norway £1,100 million 3.1
9  Spain £1,035 million 3.0
10  Italy £850 million 2.4
11  Australia £740 million 2.1
12  Singapore £730 million 2.1
13  United Arab Emirates £705 million 2.0
14  Sweden £700 million 2.0
15  Denmark £695 million 2.0
16  China £685 million 2.0
17  Brazil £640 million 1.8
18  Canada £640 million 1.8
19  Japan £620 million 1.8
20   Switzerland £595 million 1.7
21  Luxembourg £445 million 1.3

By region[edit]

Rank Region Total export worth (2019)[100] Percentage of total (%)
1 Rest of the United Kingdom £52,040 million 59.98
2  European Union £16,395 million 18.8
3  North America £6,665 million 7.7
4  Asia £3,860 million 4.4
5  Rest of Europe £2,505 million 2.9
6  Middle East £1,845 million 2.1
7  Central and South America £1,490 million 1.7
8  Africa £1,430 million 1.6
9  Australasia £865 million 1.0
Total international export (inc. rUK) £87,095 million 100

Engagements[edit]

The following is an example of a list of engagements of the first, First minister of Scotland, Donald Dewar from 1999 to 2000:

Date of visit Country visited Engagement First minister
10 October 1999 – 13 October 1999 Belgium Scotland week – addressed democratic renewal seminar Donald Dewar
29 October 1999 Ireland Meeting with the Taoiseach Donald Dewar
8 December 1999 Netherland gave the William and Mary lecture with the Dutch justice minister Donald Dewar
10 April 2000 Japan Inward investment visit Donald Dewar
29 September 2000 Ireland Delivered speech to the Irish-Scottish Academic initiative Donald Dewar

See also[edit]

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