Conferences highlight best of Scotland’s cities

A SERIES of conferences aimed at showcasing the innovations and expertises of Scotland’s cities gets underway in Perth today.

Conferences on oil, whisky, tourism and financial services will be held over the next two years. Pictures: TSPL

The Scottish Cities Alliance has organised the programme of Global Excellence Conferences in a bid to showcase the contributions that different cities make to the country’s economy.

The first event in Perth today focuses on the food and drink industry, with other events planned for this year and 2015.

Tourism, finance, oil

There will be a conference in Stirling which will highlight the strength of tourism, while the event in Edinburgh will showcase the city’s financial services sector.

Oil and gas will be the focus of the conference planned for Aberdeen next year, while a meeting in Inverness this year will examine the contribution of the marine renewables industry.

Conferences are also planned for Glasgow and Dundee next year, focusing on low carbon and advanced engineering, and life sciences respectively.

It is hoped the series of conferences will help create a sustained legacy for businesses across Scotland.

‘Key figures’

Finance Secretary John Swinney said the events would “bring together key figures from Scotland’s business community to showcase the innovation and skills that exist within key growth sectors in the economy”.

He added: “Starting in Perth this week, a conference will be hosted in each of Scotland’s cities, providing a platform for each city to demonstrate their respective strengths, across a variety of sectors.

“Our cities are key drivers of economic growth, and it’s important to celebrate the contribution they make, as well as encourage future investment with the aim of creating sustainable economic growth.

“This is especially vital in the year ahead, when we look to build a legacy for business through the Commonwealth Games, Ryder Cup and Homecoming 2014.”