‘Scotland is Now’ will put Scotland in the international spotlight and showcase the country’s world-leading assets to a global audience.
Launching simultaneously on 11th April in North America, London and China, ‘Scotland is Now’ is designed to put the country firmly at the top of everyone’s list of places to live, work, study, invest and visit.
Attracting more migrant talent, international students, expanding overseas businesses and high-spend tourists will grow Scotland’s economy and further cement its reputation as an open, diverse and welcoming country.
The campaign sees the Scottish Government, VisitScotland, Scottish Development International and Universities Scotland join forces for the first time to promote Scotland under a single unified national brand, bringing together combined spending of up to £6 million to promote Scotland globally.
‘Scotland is Now’ builds on the nation’s acknowledged strengths as a land of unrivalled history, breath-taking scenery and warm welcomes, but shines a light on lesser-known qualities: a pioneering, dynamic and progressive nation taking the lead on key global challenges.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who unveiled the campaign in China, said: “The message at the heart of ‘Scotland is Now’ is of a bold and positive country offering the warmest of welcomes, rich in history and heritage and with a progressive, pioneering and inclusive approach to our future.
“The campaign will inspire people to be part of Scotland’s future and tell Scotland’s story through those who know it best – people who have embraced living, working, studying, visiting and investing here.”
The campaign includes a core Scotland film, alongside a number of ‘people’ films which offer a personal perspective from those who call Scotland home.
Economy Secretary Keith Brown offered audiences in New York a sneak-peak at ‘Scotland is Now’ during Scotland Week, while the campaign is being launched in China as part of the First Minister’s visit.
The campaign brings together public sector partners with key business interests and will be a vehicle to support export growth in the private sector.
Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Strathclyde said: “‘Scotland is Now’ is a vibrant and modern way to demonstrate all that the country has to offer. Our university sector is one of the very best in the world and each year we generate thousands of work-ready graduates, discover new knowledge, produce new research and create innovative developments which help society to tackle its biggest issues.
“‘Scotland is Now’ showcases to the world our country’s many strengths and the University of Strathclyde is proud to be part of that story.”