Business & Economy
Scotland has twice been voted ‘European Region of the Future’ in the last four years (Financial Times’ Foreign Direct Investment magazine) and it’s not difficult to see why.
With a resilient and diverse economy coupled with a business and political environment which supports growth and entrepreneurship, there is no more promising location than Scotland in which to set up or invest.
Scottish economy
| Population | Around 5.2 million (National Records of Scotland) |
| GVA | £102 billion (2009) (Office for National Statistics) |
| GVA (per head) | £19,744 (2009) (Office for National Statistics) |
| Currency | Pound sterling (GBP) |
| Labour Force | 2.49 million (2010) (Office for National Statistics) |
| Scotland’s top five export industries | Food and drink Chemicals Business services Electrical and instrument engineering Mechanical engineering (2009 Global Connections Survey, Scottish Government) |
| Top five export destinations | USA Netherlands France Germany Belgium (2009 Global Connections Survey, Scottish Government) |
Source: http://www.scotland.org/about-scotland/business-and-economy
Living in Scotland
Many people have been drawn to Scotland by the career opportunities but also by the appeal of enhancing their quality of life. House prices can be cheaper, the commuting is easier and the countryside offers a wide range of activities from skiing and white-water rafting, to mountain biking and walking in some of the most spectacular scenery you will find anywhere in the world. And, of course, there is the golf!
All the major Scottish cities have good public transport links, such as train lines and bus routes, reducing your need to use a car.
If you like to live in the countryside, there are many towns and villages that are within an hour’s commute of many of Scotland’s business centres.
Another great thing about Scotland is the extra daylight in summer. It can remain quite light up to 11.30pm – leaving plenty of time to get out and about after work. You could be walking in the hills or taking a late-night stroll on one of Scotland’s many beaches – some of which are within 40 minutes of Glasgow and Edinburgh – and, in Aberdeen, the sea is on your very doorstep.
Source: http://www.scotland.org/live-and-work-in-scotland/living-in-scotland
Working in Scotland
There are many benefits to living and working in Scotland.
From the vibrant and cosmopolitan social life of the cities to the peace and quiet of some of the world’s most stunning scenery, Scotland offers a lifestyle to suit everyone.
The country has a strong economy and a reputation for allowing new industry sectors to emerge and thrive. As a result, job opportunities in Scotland are diverse.
Scotland is a centre of excellence for electronic technologies. It is the fifth largest financial services centre in Europe. It is home to one of Europe’s most vibrant energy industries, and there is a highly successful life sciences sector, with a wide range of expertise including drug discovery, bio-manufacturing and stem cell sciences.
In addition, Scotland continues to break new ground in areas such as computer gaming, literature, fashion, textiles, music and animation.
However, while many people come to work in Scotland because of the career opportunities, others are drawn by the appeal of enhancing their quality of life.
House prices can be cheaper, good transport links make commuting relatively easy and the countryside offers a wide range of leisure activities from skiing and white-water rafting to mountain biking and hill walking.
Source: http://www.scotland.org/live-and-work-in-scotland/working-in-scotland
Welcome to Scotland 