The Scottish Government

What they are saying about Scotland Week 2008

Sir Sean Connery said:

"Scotland and North America have a strong bond and that's why Tartan Day has been and continues to be a tremendous success in New York. It's great to see this natural affinity expanded through Scotland Week across the US and Canada, spreading the message that whether it's exciting business opportunities, critically acclaimed theatre productions such as the Black Watch or even world famous NFL players like Lawrence Tynes- Scotland has a lot to offer!"

Alan Wilson OBE, Chief Executive - SCDI said:

"We welcome the First Minister's decision to place trade with North America at the very heart of Scotland Week, as the USA is still our single biggest export market, and the most significant source of inward investment to Scotland.

"A bigger and better showcase for Scotland can only have a positive impact on trade and tourism from this crucial market, at a time when we are under ever-growing competition from other countries and destinations around the world.

"SCDI has been arguing for a long time that we need to do more to 'join up' promotion of Scottish tourism and Scottish business and we hope that this is just the first step in that process."

Jack Perry, Chief Executive - Scottish Enterprise said:

"Scotland Week promises to provide a real platform to promote Scottish enterprise in North America. Scottish Development International will be hosting business events in a range of cities to engage with business influencers and Globalscots throughout the week. I welcome the focus this year to showcase our key industries and investment opportunities to companies in the US and Canada."

Philip Riddle, Chief Executive - VisitScotland said:

"Scotland Week gives us a fantastic platform to showcase Scotland to our biggest international tourism market. Our programme of consumer and business events will focus on Homecoming Scotland, showing US consumers exactly why they should come to Scotland in 2009 to join us in our year long celebrations.

"We are confident that our Scotland Week programme for 2008 will build on the success of recent years, again delivering a strong return on investment, reaching millions of potential visitors to Scotland."

Vicky Featherstone, Artistic Director - National Theatre of Scotland said:

"Scottish culture is appreciated all around the world and I'm delighted that Scotland Week 2008 will highlight this. Taking Black Watch and The Wolves in the Walls to the US was an incredible opportunity for the National Theatre of Scotland. It allowed us to showcase the wealth of theatre talent that exists in Scotland. The chance to make such an impact and forge meaningful cultural connections has proved invaluable.

"We are very much looking forward to returning to the US with Black Watch and hope this will be one of many return visits."