The Executive is committed to working with the many Consulates in Scotland. This is a key aspect of promoting Scotland's interests in Europe and the rest of the world.
Consulates are important to the Executive. We work closely with them in arranging specific events, such as visits to Scotland from Heads of Government and Ministers, Ambassadors and delegations. This year for example we have been working particularly closely with the French Consulate on a range of events in Scotland and France to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale. Last year we co-operated closely with the Russian Consulate on the visit to Edinburgh by President Putin as part of his State Visit to the United Kingdom.
Check the A-Z list
Consulates report back to their Embassies and home countries on Scottish events and issues and it is important for the Scottish Executive to promote these contacts and to make them aware of not only Scottish Executive policies but what is happening in Scotland generally.
There are 48 Consular Representations in Scotland, 16 Career, 29 Honorary, the European Commission Office, the European Parliament Office and NASCO (North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation).
The 16 Career Consuls are from China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Norway, Pakistan, Poland, Spain, Sweden, the Russian Federation, the Ukraine, and United States of America.
They carry out a range of functions, including promoting contacts between their countries and Scotland, reporting back on developments in Scotland, supporting their national communities in Scotland, and issuing visas.
Honorary Consuls have more restricted duties. Often they are Scots with a connection to the country they represent, usually a business one. Their duties are restricted to looking after foreign nationals who find themselves in difficulty, issuing visas and representing their country at important occasions.
Check the A-Z list