This blog is now archived
This blog is now archived
Please note that this blog is no longer being updated.
Know before you go
With Scottish schools breaking up for the holidays, families will soon start heading off for a well-earned summer break. It’s something people look forward to all year, and many will fly to the sun here in Spain. For our eight consulates across …
Working in partnership
Recently, on the eve of the UN’s Day in Support of Victims of Torture, I was in Glasgow to deliver a speech covering current issues on human rights to members Amnesty International and to launch their Stop Torture campaign. It …
Marking 15 years of the Scottish Parliament
Today marks 15 years since the official opening of the Scottish Parliament. A lot has been learned in that time and a great deal has been achieved. Around 60 per cent of Scotland’s public spending is now devolved to the …
The ingredients for global success
On the way to Edinburgh Airport on Monday I passed Ingliston Showground and could see tents being dismantled and trucks convoying towards the motorway. It was the aftermath of another successful Royal Highland Show. Almost 180,000 people passed through the …
Taking a stand at the Royal Highland Show
For tens of thousands of people, a trip to the Royal Highland Show is an annual pilgrimage. It’s an opportunity to meet up with friends, share farming experience, find out about the latest developments in agricultural equipment, see some of …
Tuned into the community
Last week I was interviewed for the Week in Holyrood, a current affairs programme on Scottish Politics which goes out to thousands of listeners over 30 community radio stations. The focus of course was on passing the 100 days to …
Independence referendum: 100 days to go
Many milestones have already been marked on the road to the independence referendum as our nation prepares to make a significant choice - almost certainly the most significant decision many of us will make in a lifetime. As we reach …
Never forget
For most of us, it’s impossible to imagine what it must have felt like to be in the trenches in World War One or to see colleagues killed or maimed in combat. This week I had the privilege of meeting …
Doing the business
Entrepreneurship has been a keen interest of mine for many years. My wife started her own business as a veterinary surgeon on Orkney. I know that through all the trials and tribulations there are great rewards and satisfaction that come …
Back to his roots
Yesterday found me back on Islay for the first time since becoming Secretary of State. It was a packed day and going from meeting to visit frequently involved running into someone that I had been at school with, or who …