The Scottish Government

EU Green Week 'Climate Change - Act and Adapt'

Connecting to the Power of the Regions

In conjunction with the European Commission's "Green Week" Scotland House hosted a seminar on 'Connecting to the power of the regions'. The SG's Environment Director John Mason opened and chaired much of the event which brought together a high level panel of experts including an advisor to the US Government, the Scottish Government, European regional partners from Spain and Germany and the Climate Group. Brussels based journalist Rory Watson chaired a lively podium discussion involving some of the key speakers. The event which explored the important role that States and Regions can play in climate change adaptation and mitigation attracted around 60 participants including officials from the EU institutions, NGOs and Regions. A great deal of the discussion focussed on the International Climate Change Summit which will be held in Copenhagen in December at which participants will attempt to hammer out an international deal on CO2 emission reduction targets. A report of the seminar has been produced and copies of the presentations can also be provided on request, please contact Craig Egner at craig.egner@scotland.gsi.gov.uk.

In addition to the Green Week seminar, the 24 June also marked the opening of a new exhibition of aerial photography in Scotland House. Patricia and Angus Macdonald's "Changing environments" project focuses on the vibrancy of the Hebridean landscape as well as the effect climate change is having on Scotland's woodlands.

John Mason and his team in the Environmental Protection Directorate arranged for the Children's Parliament Climate Change Mural to be on display in Scotland House during Green Week. Ben (12) and Christie (11) both Members of the Children's Parliament (MCPs) from Fife, were on hand following the Green Week seminar to talk about how the 7m long mural was made and the ideas behind its creation. The timing was particularly apt as they spoke of their aspirations for the Climate Change Bill as the Bill itself was being passed at the Scottish Parliament.

Burns celebrations and launch of Homecoming Scotland 2009

The celebrations continued on 28 Jan with the opening of "Scottish Makars" exhibition in Scotland House. The collection, from the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, contains images of 25 contemporary Scottish poets and one new work depicting the Bard himself. Two of the poets featured in the exhibition, Jennifer Daiches and Robert Crawford, were on hand to read a selection of their own and other contemporary works, as well as a selection of Burns. The event was very well supported by a variety of different groups - Brussels based Scots; Commission, Council and Parliamentary Officials and staff from various Permanent Representations.

On the evening of the 28th there was a Burns Concert in Scotland House featuring a performance by Scotland's tenors, Caledon. The sell out performance was followed by a buffet of Haggis, neeps and tatties. Homecoming marketing material was on display over the course of the evening (as well as having been sent out with the initial invitations) and EU Director, Donald Henderson explained the concept of Homecoming 2009 in his welcome address.

SGEUO Annual Burns Supper in honour of Czech Presidency

The annual Burns Supper on 27th January was this year held to mark the Czech Presidency of the EU. Several key, high level Czechs from the European Parliament, Commission, Council and Permanent Representation enjoyed an traditional burns supper hosted by Robert Gordon, Director General for Justice and Communities, and Dr Rachel Aron, British Ambassador to Belgium.

Permanent Secretary Sir John Elvridge in Brussels

The Permanent Secretary Sir John Elvridge, was in Brussels for a meeting of UK Permanent Secretaries at the UK Permanent Representation. Sir John also met SG EU Office officials; called on the Cabinets of Commission President Barroso and Commissioner Potocnik (Research); met the Chef de Cabinet of the Flemish First Minister, and attended the Burns Supper hosted by the Scottish MEPs on Wednesday evening.