Scotland’s ties with Canada got even stronger with the announcement of a Scottish Government office to be established in Ottawa.

Scotland exports £610million a year to Canada and 9,500 Canadians currently live and work here.

Orkney’s roots with Canada go even deeper with the Hudson Bay Company recruiting the bulk of its workforce in the islands in the past.  Arctic explorer Dr John Rae, discoverer of the North West Passage, a navigable route from East to West, was from Orkney.

John Rae by Stephen Pearce (1819 – 1904)

John Rae memorial, St Magnus Cathedral (photo D. Gordon E. Robertson)

There are also strong Orkney family connections with the Squamish First Nation of Canada.

Image credit Bell

Fiona Hyslop, External Affairs Secretary, in the Scottish Government said:

“This new office will help us strengthen our relationships with Canada, putting a focus on encouraging trade and investment and showcasing Scotland as a great place to work, study and visit.

“This will be the first time we have had a presence in Canada’s capital city which means our new team will be able to develop closer policy and political links with the Canadian Government, business, education and third sector partners.

“In the face of Brexit uncertainty, Scotland continues to be an attractive place to invest and do business.”