Exclusive:John Swinney says foreign trip critics 'have no understanding of selling Scotland to world'
First Minister says it would be ‘complete dereliction of duty’ not to go on trips such as seven-day trade mission to India
John Swinney has hit back at critics of Scottish government foreign trips, accusing them of having “no understanding of the importance of going out and proactively selling ourselves to new and emerging markets around the world”.
Writing in The Scotsman following his visit to India last month, the First Minister also said that “to stand still is to fall behind” and that it would be “a complete dereliction of duty” not to go on such trips.
The SNP leader’s trade mission drew particular criticism because it came just days after the UK government’s Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander visited the South Asian country.
Mr Swinney said: “I am aware that there are some politicians in Scotland who essentially believe that there is no justification for Scottish ministers ever leaving Scotland’s shores.
“These are often the same politicians who, without any sense of irony, like to portray themselves as being pro-business – yet they seem to have no understanding of the importance of going out and proactively selling ourselves to new and emerging markets around the world.
“In this fast-moving world, to stand still is to fall behind. Every government worth its salt is proactively scouring the world for new opportunities for investment and collaboration. That is how economies develop, and it is how jobs are created.
“To simply sit back and expect opportunities to fall into our lap – or hope that being marketed essentially as North Britain by Westminster can help us stand out in the crowd – is worse than an absence of ambition; it is a complete dereliction of duty.
“So this First Minister – and this SNP Government – makes no apology for taking every opportunity for selling Scotland’s many strengths overseas.”
The First Minister was in India for a week from October 20. His seven-day programme included 43 different engagements across five different cities.
Mr Swinney was joined by representatives of major Scottish sectors including food and drink, in the hopes of drumming up business.
The Scottish government announced on Tuesday last week that Indian firm Sarva Foam is planning to open a manufacturing facility in Scotland, costing £6 million and bringing 100 jobs.
The First Minister said towards the end of the trip that there would be more to come.
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander had visited India earlier in October. He was accompanied by food and drink businesses, such as Salmon Scotland, the Scotch Whiskey Association and Walker’s Shortbread.
It followed the UK-India Free Trade Agreement coming into force on in July 2026. The UK government said it will deliver a £190 million boost to the Scottish economy, and cut whisky tariffs from 150 per cent to 40 per cent over ten years.
Mr Swinney has faced criticism for his overseas travel, with opponents hitting out at his trip to the US over the summer for the World Cup.
He and key aides flew business class rather than taking a Scottish Football Association chartered flight.
According to data published by the Scottish government under freedom of information legislation, almost £100,000 was spent for Mr Swinney and officials to visit Boston and on a subsequent trip to Kentucky, along with another visit to Miami by sports minister Maree Todd for the team’s final group stage tie against Brazil.
Flights for the First Minister, his private secretary John Webster and chief of staff Colin McAllister – all business class – cost more than £45,000. Hotels for the trio cost £3,212, according to the data.
Both Ms Todd and her private secretary flew in economy class, with the flights costing £1,471.
Mr Swinney previously said the government had tried to “minimise” costs.
A Scottish Labour source said: “We know from the World Cup John Swinney likes a business class flight and a foreign photo call. This time he turned up after the final whistle - once a trade deal had already been agreed.”
Scottish Conservative business spokeswoman Rachael Hamilton said: “After wasting £45,000 on business class flights, it’s totally tone-deaf of John Swinney to be defending his taxpayer-funded jollies.
“Strengthening ties with other countries is important, but ministers must demonstrate that their trips deliver value for the taxpayer.
“Instead of racking up his air miles, John Swinney should be focused on the day job of fixing Scotland’s crumbling public services.”
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