Scotland’s rising musical talents will take centre stage in Germany this week as part of Scottish Secretary Ian Murray’s ongoing Brand Scotland campaign.
This initiative aims to showcase the very best of Scotland to international audiences, attracting inward investment, boosting exports, and supporting job creation at home. As part of the UK Government’s Plan for Change, Brand Scotland focuses on delivering tangible economic benefits for people in Scotland through strategic global engagements.
Members of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland (NYOS), along with guest soloist Ryan Corbett, will perform at a high-profile business and government breakfast at the British Ambassador’s residence in Berlin. Hosted by Mr Murray and UK Ambassador to Germany Andrew Mitchell CMG, the event will bring together influential investors from sectors including energy, space, technology, life sciences, and food and drink, all keen to explore opportunities in Scotland.
During his two-day trade visit to Berlin, the Scottish Secretary will also hold talks with Michael Meister, Germany’s Minister of State for Federal-State Relations. He will visit the Bundesrat (Germany’s upper house of Parliament) and meet with representatives from the Lander — Germany’s 16 federal states — at the British Embassy.
This visit is part of a wider programme of international engagements, designed to promote Scotland’s strengths on the world stage and encourage foreign direct investment into the Scottish economy. Mr Murray’s trip follows the recent signing of a UK-Germany treaty aimed at renewing the UK’s relationship with its European neighbours. The Scottish Secretary is leveraging this refreshed partnership to advance his Brand Scotland strategy. Later this year, he will continue his campaign with trade missions to India and Sweden.
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said:
“Scotland’s cultural excellence is one of our greatest assets in attracting international investment and driving economic growth. The National Youth Orchestra of Scotland represents some of our most extraordinary musical talent. I’m delighted that they are able to join me in Berlin, and this performance will demonstrate Scottish culture at its finest.
“My Brand Scotland campaign is about selling all that is fantastic about Scotland to the world, to encourage both exports and inward investment in Scotland, and I’m very pleased that we have been able to fund this event in Berlin. Brand Scotland is a key part of the UK Government’s Plan for Change, bringing real rewards for people in Scotland.”
The breakfast event is being supported by a £2,700 grant from the Scotland Office’s Brand Scotland fund. This is the first in a series of international promotional events backed by the fund, using the UK Government’s global Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) network.
The NYOS is also set to perform at the prestigious Young Euro Classic festival under the baton of renowned conductor Catherine Larsen-Maguire. Their programme will feature the European premiere of a new accordion concerto by Scottish composer Jay Capperauld.
On the morning of their festival performance, NYOS musicians will perform at the Scottish “Symphony and Sausages” breakfast, attended by politicians, diplomats, and business leaders. Guests will enjoy a traditional Scottish breakfast, including smoked salmon, haggis, black pudding, and specially-made potato scones, prepared by the embassy chef. Irn Bru and Walkers Shortbread will add a finishing Scottish touch to the menu.
Mr Murray’s Berlin visit comes just days before he delivers a major speech in Edinburgh on the role of culture in strengthening social ties and driving economic prosperity. He will also spotlight the UK Government’s direct investment in Scotland’s cultural sector, including the recent £1.5 million grant for the refurbishment of Edinburgh’s iconic Filmhouse cinema. Photo by Moyan Brenn from Italy, Wikimedia commons.