Scotland’s greatest resource is its people and not just those who live within our national boundaries. That resource includes the many millions, who make up of the Scottish Diaspora and who have not only contributed greatly to their host countries but also helped build the global reputation of Scotland abroad, writes Jim Mather MSP, Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism, The Scottish Government, and fellow Scotsin member. That reputation according to a survey carried out by Professor Michael Porter in 2000 is for integrity and reliability and to a large extentit has been earned as double act between individual Scots abroad and the people & institutions of Scotland.

It is a powerful reputation matched to a powerful brand and the international presence of those of Scots descent and those who arewell-disposed to Scotland.

Many people in Scotland tend to think of our Diaspora as being located in North America, the Antipodes and the Far East. But we will notforget the very significant presence of Scots in England and in particular in London.

There is now an enormous opportunity for Scotland to engage with themany millions of people abroad whom care about our country and build aworldwide network of influence and engagement. This global connection can bring significant benefits to Scotland in terms of inward investment, tourism, cultural relations and people returning to live and work in Scotland.

The new government of Scotland stands ready to assist with this processof engagement and I warmly congratulate Scots In London (Scotsin / Scotsin.com) on the rapid progress made in building their network and keeping the connection vibrant and lively.

The next phase may even attract some early use of return tickets as westart to deliver on our objective of increasing sustainable growth in Scotland and building our claim of right tax powers and the ability to compete and growth the nation.

The SNP are about to get a second wind of support as we get theopportunity properly explain our economic case for Independence, expose the mismanagement of Scotland over recent years, benchmark ourperformance against that of Norway and Ireland and have more peoplefrom the Diaspora coming home to ask tough questions about the mediocreperformance of the last 40 years.

That support will deliver the mandate needed to allow Scotland to matchthe performance of other small countries and both stem the flow oftalent and I believe encourage many more people to return. ”

Jim Mather MSP