Scottish exports advance

Exports from Scotland have grown at a faster rate than across the UK as a whole.

New figures for the first quarter of 2018 show a 12% rise in total exports in the period, higher than the 8% seen nationally.

The performance was bolstered by a significant increase in oil and gas exports in the period, as the price of crude sustained recent advances. Economy Secretary Keith Brown said: “Confidence is returning to that sector, which is of course one of Scotland’s most important industries. The total amount of goods exported to our European neighbours rose by 21% in the year ending March 2018, increasing to £14.6billion, highlighting the continued importance of that market to Scotland.

“And it is encouraging to see Scotland leading the way in the UK with a 12% increase in total goods, compared to a UK average of 8%.

“These figures are positive – across a number of sectors, and across a number of global markets.” A £5 million fund will “move the needle” for social investment in Scotland.

Social Investment Scotland said cash from the newly launched Impact First fund will be used to “tackle a clearly identifiable social problem with a scalable and disruptive business solution.”

The first stage of the fund is seeking to raise £2m from private investors.

SIS Ventures director Thomas Gillan said: “Investors now have a chance to really move the needle for social impact investing.”

Economy Secretary Keith Brown welcomed the figures.