Extend Scotland Week to Russia, says First Minister

Published on Wednesday 16 April 2008 22:10

SCOTLAND Week celebrations of the type which take place in the United States could be extended to other countries including Russia, Alex Salmond said yesterday.

The First Minister raised the possibility in the Scottish Parliament when he was being questioned by MSPs on his recent visit to the US for the Tartan Week celebrations.

SNP back-bencher Christine Grahame cited the millions of Canadians and Australians of Scots descent and asked what plans Mr Salmond had to tap into that potential.

He told her she was right to point out the opportunity to "extend the principle" of Scotland Week.

"Recent discussions with the Russian ambassador indicate substantial enthusiasm in Russia for such an event," he said.

This year's events had broadcast the message that Scotland was "a country on the move" with ambition and a determination to maximise its economic potential, he said.

The First Minister went on to tell MSPs: "Scotland Week has been in the national interest. It is creating new economic opportunities for our businesses.

"But there are other countries and other markets where we must make similar campaigns to promote Scotland."