US businesses ‘keenly interested’ in investing in Scotland – John Swinney

US businesses are “keenly interested” in investing in Scotland, the First Minister said, after attending New York’s annual Tartan Day parade.

John Swinney spent Saturday promoting Scotland’s cultural heritage and joined the parade’s grand marshal, actor Alan Cumming, as they walked down the city’s Sixth Avenue.

Following the parade, Mr Swinney said he welcomed the fact that US businesses are interested in investing in Scotland.

He said: “Businesses in the US are keenly interested in making sure that they support good propositions and operate in situations where they can have access to skills and opportunities.

“Scotland is respected because of the strength of the education system, infrastructure and offshore energy.

“This makes Scotland an attractive place to do business.”

With growing anxiety surrounding trade between the US and the rest of the world following US president Donald Trump’s newly introduced tariffs, Mr Swinney said Scotland must remain focused on countering any “negative effects”.

He said: “As First Minister, I can try to boost investment in Scotland so we can overcome any negative effects of the tariffs.”

Mr Swinney welcomed the Renfrewshire Schools Pipe Band and the Atholl Highlanders in New York’s Bryant Park, before celebrating Americans of Scottish descent in the “Kirkin’ O’ the Tartan” service at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church.

Speaking about the parade, Mr Swinney said: “The parade was a joyful occasion and tremendous celebration of the culture of Scotland.

“A huge crowd of New Yorkers gave Scotland a very warm welcome.

“I think what stood out for me in the parade was the three bands from Falkirk, Renfrewshire and Oban high school. They are an absolute credit to the country and I think they really stole the hearts of New York.”

The First Minister will also attend the first Hoolie in New York – an event laid on by the organisers of the annual Hoolie at the Hydro show which celebrates traditional Scottish music – at Carnegie Hall, which was built by and named for Scottish-born industrialist Andrew Carnegie, where Mr Swinney will host a reception.