Scottish Olympic performances inspiring future talent

Sunday, 05 August 2012 19:23

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Scots at the Olympics are inspiring the next generation to go for gold according to Sport Minister Shona Robison.

Ms Robison has been in London supporting Scottish athletes all week and said:

"I have been lucky enough to see some outstanding Team GB performances and see Scottish athletes bring in medals day after day.  These Olympics have been a success story for Scottish sport with a medal haul so far of four golds, two silvers and a bronze by Scottish athletes and Andy Murray will add to that tally with two medals today. Already the number of Scottish medals achieved over the whole of the Beijing Olympics in 2008 has been bettered.

"And from what I have seen in the reaction of the crowds and the images making the news, I these golden moments are firing even more young minds to be the best they can be in their sports. We are building world-class sporting infrastructure in Scotland, and alongside quality teaching and coaching for young people of all ages and abilities, we want to keep that passion as we look ahead to the next week of the Olympics and onto the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014."

The Scottish Government is grasping economic opportunities provided by the Olympics by working with partners to engage with hundreds of businesses and encourage investment in Scotland at Scotland House.

Ms Robison also confirmed that 500 businessmen and women, representing 331 businesses and investment bodies, have participated in networking events at Scotland House, our showcase to the world during London 2012, since it opened on 27 July.

The Sport Minister continued: "At an Olympics where Scotland’s athletes are contributing so successfully, this Government too is working its hardest to promote Scottish interests.

"Scotland House is Scotland’s showcase to the world during London 2012. It is a first class venue which provides a platform to promote the best of Scotland to key influencers from around the world who are in London for the Olympics. That’s why several Government Ministers and senior officials from the enterprise agencies are hosting events at Scotland House, aimed at stimulating investment in Scotland.

"Scotland House is hosting dozens of events promoting Scottish trade, tourism and culture and offering a drop in facility for the families of athletes and games staff. Already in its first week, we have welcomed 500 businessmen and women, investors and influencers to networking meetings and events focussed on the key sectors of Financial Services, Creative Industries, Food and Drink and Tourism.

"Each event is bringing together Scottish business leaders with potential investors in Scotland. These are important, potentially lucrative, introductions which are being made possible squarely through the presence of Scotland House and the proximity to the British Business Embassy at Lancaster House. Over the second week of the Games, we will continue our work to showcase Scotland as a global investment opportunity."

Scotland House is Scotland’s showcase to the world during London 2012.  Similar to the Scotland House facilities at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne in 2006 and Delhi in 2010, it will host dozens of events promoting Scottish trade, tourism and culture and offers a drop in facility for the families of athletes and games staff.

The First Minister, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth John Swinney, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs Richard Lochhead, Sport Minister Shona Robison and senior officials from the enterprise agencies are hosting events at Scotland House during London 2012.

The Scotland House programme is available here: http://www.scotland.org/culture/port/olympics-in-scotland-1/scotland-house/%20

The budget for Scotland House in Delhi was £315,000, split between the Scottish Government and three partners. The budget for Scotland House in London is £400,000, split evenly between six partners - the Scottish Government, VisitScotland, EventScotland, Scottish Enterprise, Creative Scotland and sportScotland.

The UK Government has estimated the budget for the British Business Embassy at £3.28 million. See: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm111205/text/111205w0006.htm#11120627000681