26 Nov 2002
Scotland's links overseas will be strengthened through a number of key engagements by Scotland Office Ministers' in the run-up to and during St Andrew's Day.
Friends of Scotland, devolution and Scottish law will be some of the topics being promoted and discussed by Helen Liddell, Anne McGuire and Advocate General Lynda Clark QC when they take Scotland to Brussels, Moscow and Milan to celebrate St Andrew's Day.
Speaking in advance of the events, Scottish Secretary Helen Liddell said:
"St Andrew's Day is a day to be proud of the traditions, the culture and the contribution that Scotland and its people have brought to the world over hundreds of years. It is also a time to celebrate the achievements of contemporary Scotland and to reach out to our many friends across many nations.
"Our engagements in Brussels, Milan and Moscow will bring us into contact with Scots abroad and those with an interest in what Scotland has to offer both culturally and in business.
"I and my colleagues look forward to forging new links for Scotland in many areas, including business, education and the legal profession."
Highlights of the Ministers' programmes include:
Scottish Secretary Helen Liddell - Brussels 26-27 November
Tuesday 26 November: Friends of Scotland promotion event hosted by the British Ambassador to introduce Belgians and expatriate Scots to the initiative.
Wednesday 27 November: Keynote speaker at the British Council's 'Identity and Representation'seminar. The Secretary of State will speak on devolution and national and regional identities.
Mrs Liddell will also address the British Chamber of Commerce, on devolution and making the most of Scotland's links overseas through the Friends of Scotland initiative.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Anne McGuire - Moscow 29 November-1 December
Friday 29 November: Friends of Scotland promotion event hosted by Deputy Head of Mission, Moscow Embassy. Guests to include representatives of the state Duma, businesses with Scottish links and members of the St Andrew's Society and Caledonian Club.
Saturday 30 November: Meeting with Scottish Development International and businesses with Scottish links. Meeting with alumni of Scottish universities to discuss educational links and promote Friends of Scotland
Visits to Scottish produce outlets and a Moscow fashion designer using Scottish materials.
Visit to Nastenka Charitable Foundation. The foundation was established in 2002 to offer support to children suffering from cancer and offer assistance to their families. The charity has been chosen as the main recipient of proceeds raised by this year's St Andrew's Society Ball.
Guest of honour at St Andrew's Society Ball in aid of the Nastenka Charitable Foundation.
Advocate General Lynda Clark - Milan 3 December
Keynote speaker at a legal seminar at the Palace of Justice - addressing an audience of Italian magistrates and lawyers on aspects of Scottish law and devolution. Calls on the President of Court of Appeal, President of the Italian Law Society and Procurator General.
During this legal visit, the Advocate General will attend a Friends of Scotland promotion hosted by British Consul General in Milan. The event will be attended by a mixture of guests from the areas of business, law, tourism and culture.
NOTES FOR NEWS EDITORS