High road to promoting Scotland

ALEX Salmond has placed overseas visits at the heart of his strategy to boost international trade opportunities for Scottish businesses during his five years as First Minister.

Mr Salmond’s most recent trip saw him spend time in California last month, when he met business leaders of the Golden State to encourage them to invest in Scotland.

He has also tried to cultivate a relationship with the Chinese government, making several visits in recent years to lobby for deals such as agreement to protect the patent rights of Scottish whisky.

Another recent high-profile trade mission saw Mr Salmond visit Qatar, Abu Dhabi and Dubai. to promote Scottish business and educational links.

During his visit to Doha in Qatar, Mr Salmond officially opened a business base 
for Scottish law firm 
McGrigors.

Mr Salmond has also made a number of visits to Norway in a bid to forge closer links with the country over green energy – a flagship SNP policy.