Enterprise

Continuing to build relationships with Arctic neighbours will help Scotland pursue shared ambitions and address common challenges, External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson has said.

A new Emergency Alert mobile phone warning service launched across the UK on Sunday 19 March.

Scotland will take part in a trial of a UK Government system which will use new mobile broadcasting technology to save lives during emergencies.  

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, Mairi Gougeon has welcomed the publication of new HMRC trade statistics today showing overseas exports of Scottish food and drink were worth £8 billion in 2022 – the highest figure on record.

Ms Gougeon said:

Crofters across Scotland will be able to apply for larger sums of money to upgrade their housing under the Croft House Grant.

To help ensure more crofters and their families can benefit, the government is increasing the grant rate for home improvements from 40% to 60% of the total project cost – with a maximum grant of £38,000.

With this week being nature Nature Restoration Skills Week, NatureScot and partners have put together a programme of free training events focussed on skills for nature restoration. 

This month the Scottish Government published its National Strategy for Economic Transformation. This sets out the priorities for Scotland’s economy as well as the actions needed to maximise the opportunities of the next decade to achieve our vision of a wellbeing economy.

The award-winning Be Your Best Self personal development programme for Women in Agriculture is an integral part of the Scottish Government’s vision to make Scottish agriculture a fairer, more inclusive industry, where farm succession is not determined by gender, training is accessible to everyone, and more women take on senior roles in agricultural organisations.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon officially opened a new training college in Glasgow to mark the beginning of Scottish Apprenticeship Week this week.

City Building’s new state-of-the-art training college in Springburn will house up to 250 apprentices across a range of disciplines, providing hands-on training opportunities in plumbing, furniture making, decorating and joinery.

The current Programme for Government contains a commitment to establish at least one new National Park in Scotland by Spring 2026. 

Specialist advice on animal welfare can help keep your livestock in good health and make your farm practices work for you.