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NEW SCOTS: Attracting Fresh Talent to meet the Challenge of Growth
IMPROVING FIRST IMPRESSIONS
"We must give greater attention to the first impressions people have of Scotland when they come here. Whether they are business travellers, migrants, students or tourists, the first impression of Scotland is important.
"We are by nature a hospitable people. Our hospitality should be clearly reflected in our ports, airports, bus and rail stations.
"We need to raise our game to the very best in the world - let us be proud of our cities and country and get that across immediately people arrive."
First Minister, Jack McConnell,
The Challenge of Growth, 25 February 2003
First impressions make a lasting impact, and Scottish business, including the management of our airports and ports, support the First Minister's call for entry points into Scotland to be as welcoming as possible. There could be no clearer symbol that Scotland is open to the world.
While there are some examples of good practice, these are not widespread.
If we are to make a real and lasting change to visitors' first impressions of Scotland, there will need to be a national effort to achieve this.
We will appoint a senior Scottish figure to lead a task force to examine this issue, and he will report back to the First Minister this year.
During our initial research we identified many areas in which quite simple practical improvements would make a real difference to new arrivals' first impression of Scotland.
We could provide guidance in foreign languages and improve information about onward journeys and accommodation.
Points of entry are also an excellent location to promote Scotland generally and as a place to work, and this potential will be included in our plans for future promotional campaigns.
But of course, first impressions last beyond airport arrivals or train stations. Working with the relevant agencies, we will consider ways of improving all aspects of a Scottish welcome.
Scotland is also the temporary home of several thousand asylum seekers, and while their claim for asylum is being considered, we should continue to make sure they and their families have access to appropriate services.
And for those granted refugee status, we must help and support them integrate properly into Scottish communities. They are an important source of fresh talent.
To this end we will work with others to implement and maintain the Scottish Refugee Integration Forum's action plan which was published in February 2003.
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