First Minister John Swinney has reaffirmed Scotland’s commitment to maintaining strong relationships with European nations following talks with the European Union’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom and representatives from several EU member states.
The meeting took place at Bute House in Edinburgh and brought together Ambassador Pedro Serrano and a delegation of six ambassadors from EU countries during what was one of Mr Serrano’s final engagements in Scotland before leaving his post.
During discussions, the First Minister thanked the ambassador for his contribution to relations between Scotland and the European Union and highlighted the importance of maintaining links across education, business and civic life.
For the Highlands and Islands, European connections remain significant in sectors including higher education, food and drink, renewable energy, tourism and research.
Many Highland businesses continue to export to European markets, while universities and colleges maintain partnerships with institutions across the continent.
Speaking after the meeting, Mr Swinney said Scotland wanted to continue strengthening its relationship with Europe despite wider political challenges.
“I am very grateful to Ambassador Pedro Serrano for his dedicated service and thank him for the constructive, warm relationship he has helped to foster between Scotland and the European Union.
“While I regret the cancellation of the UK-EU Summit, Scotland wants to strengthen our already close relationship with the European Union, a relationship to which we have so much to offer and which is so important to our prosperity and security.
“Over the course of his posting, Ambassador Serrano has played an important role in sustaining and strengthening the longstanding positive relationship between Scotland and the EU.
“That relationship is reflected in the many connections that continue to bring us closer together, from educational opportunities between our colleges and universities, to the vital links between our civic societies, and the mobility that supports our businesses.
“These ties are of immense importance to Scotland, especially after we were removed from the EU against the will of the people, and we remain committed to nurturing and building on them in the years ahead.”
The meeting comes as governments across Europe continue to focus on trade, energy security and international cooperation in an increasingly uncertain global environment.
While constitutional questions remain politically contested, there is broad recognition that continued engagement with European partners has implications for Scotland’s economy, universities, cultural organisations and export industries.
For many communities across the Highlands, where international markets and overseas visitors play an important role in supporting local economies, maintaining strong European links remains an issue that extends well beyond politics.
