Salmond studies plans for Scottish 'embassy' in China

Published on Saturday 10 May 2008 20:05

ALEX Salmond is considering moves to build a Scottish 'embassy' in China under plans to expand the country's presence in the East.

Scotland on Sunday can reveal that officials at the Scottish Government are studying plans to open a 'Scotland House' in Beijing, along similar lines to the building in Brussels where the Government's EU 'ambassador' is based.

The Scottish Government currently employs two members of staff in the Chinese capital, headed by a First Secretary, who works out of the British Embassy.

However, a new Plan for Engagement with China, published last week, shows that this arrangement is now under review, and that an official Scottish base could be built from where the First Secretary would work.

The document also sets out a marked change of tone from the previous Labour-led Scottish Executive with regard to foreign affairs.

It states that its broad international objective is to sell Scotland's reputation as "an independent minded and responsible nation… confident of its place in the world".

The move marks a major change from the old Labour-led Scottish Executive, which remained cautious about any major change to its foreign wing, fearing a spat with Whitehall.

When former First Minister Jack McConnell first announced plans for a Chinese 'ambassador', it raised eyebrows within the Foreign Office, which described the plan as "highly unusual".

There were also well-publicised claims that the influence of Scotland's other First Secretary post – based in Washington – had been reigned in by the UK embassy.

However, as SNP ministers need not fear any spat with Whitehall, they appear to have decided to press ahead and to extend their influence in the world's most populous country.

SNP sources revealed last year that a network of other 'embassies' could also be set up in the near future, with Germany, Canada and France pencilled in as possible destinations.

The document published by the SNP Government last week declared that officials will now "review (the] representation" in Beijing "to ensure that it is fit for purpose and consider options for Scotland House type arrangements".

Scotland House is the residence in Brussels of the Government's first secretary to the European Union. It is also used as a base for other Scottish organisations such as Scottish Development International.

A Scottish Government spokesperson played down the review, saying: "At present there are no plans to change staffing arrangements in Scottish Government offices in China."

Labour MP Brian Donohoe criticised the plans. "They are megalomaniacs. It is sending out a message that Scotland is independent. These things are seen through by host countries."