Holyrood ministers head west to boost trade links

Ministers plan to travel to the US and Canada next week to “strengthen economic and cultural links” with Scotland.

Tourism minister Fergus Ewing will attend business meetings and engagements and work with culture secretary Fiona Hyslop to promote Scotland Week 2012.

Speaking before the visit, Mr Ewing said: “Scotland is leading the world in innovation in renewable energy and has a long-established reputation for expertise in oil and gas, which I will promote during this visit.

Mr Ewing travels to North America on Sunday, visiting Houston, Calgary and New York to meet business leaders in sectors such as renewable energy, oil and gas, financial services and tourism.

Ms Hyslop arrives in New York today and will travel on to San Francisco, Vancouver and Chicago.