Welcome Message

First Minister, the Right Honourable Alex Salmond MP MSP.

Welcome to this first issue of the quarterly e-zine – Scotland now - created for Scotland's friends, alumni and diaspora all around the world.

As Scots around the world know, Scotland is a country with strong traditions and a proud history of achievement.

Scots invented many things the modern world takes for granted: from the pneumatic tyre to penicillin; from the telephone to television. Over two hundred and fifty years ago, the Scottish Enlightenment created Scottish thinkers who led the world in science and philosophy and set the laws of modern economics and mathematics.

These are remarkable achievements for such a small country.

But, in modern Scotland, we don't rely on what we've achieved in the past.

With the creation of a Scottish Parliament, modern Scotland looks forward to the future with a renewed confidence.

Today, Scotland is on the way up. Our economy is strong; we are one of Europe's leading financial centres and we are world class in a number of exciting new industries, from life sciences to computer games.

We have always been known for our magnificent and unique natural environment. Now we are just as famous for vibrant cities winning international awards for their design and flair. Our capital city Edinburgh plays host to the world's biggest arts festival every August – and is now the only UNESCO city of literature in the world.

Scotland was the first modern country to introduce free universal education and our passion for education remains strong. Every year, we welcome thousands of international students to our first class universities and Scottish qualifications are in great demand in countries like China and India.

In 2006, there can be no doubt – modern Scotland is a great place to live, learn, visit, work, do business and invest in.

Around the world, 25 million people can claim Scottish ancestry and there are many more with an affinity and passion for our great country.

I like to think that 21st Century Scotland is less of a geographical unit and more a Global Network.

We want to mobilise that network and let you know about modern Scotland. We also want to hear from you. Please use the ‘Contact Us' button to let us know what you are doing to celebrate your passion for Scotland and the things you would like to hear more about.

With best wishes, Jack McConnell, First Minister of Scotland