Why work in Scotland?
Scotland's first minister, Jack McConnell, recently declared he was keen to attract more workers to Scotland. Longer visas for foreign students studying in Scotland and a new advice centre on living and working in Scotland were two of the initiatives announced.
They come at a time when Scotland's population of five million is in decline. Future prosperity depends on attracting a new workforce.
Recruitment consultants welcomed the move. "I think this initiative will be of use to the hospitality industry - longer visas will benefit students and employers," said Rosa Di Mascio, account director of recruitment firm Chess Partnership in Scotland.
The new one-stop advisory service will open in October 2004. The service will provide advice for employers who wish to apply for visas and work permits to employ foreign nationals, as well as advising entrepreneurs about setting up a business in Scotland. The service will also provide information on jobs, schools, housing and transport for those considering relocating to Scotland. For more info see www.scotland.gov.uk.
Tourism in Scotland The Scottish Executive recently announced it would like tourism to deliver annual revenue of £6b by 2005 - a 33% increase on 2002.
Between 1997 and 2002 passengers through Glasgow airport increased by 22%. In the same period, passenger numbers at Edinburgh airport increased by 56% according to the BAA.
In 2002 overseas tourism to Scotland was worth £806m.
Scotland is promoted via VisitScotland, the national body, and by 14 area tourist boards.
Reasons to be cheerful…
Why live and work in Scotland? We asked those who already do…
"The weather is great, I have been able to sunbathe in the summer and then ski in the winter." Thelma Wyngaard, revenue manager, Radisson SAS Airth Castle & Hotel, Stirlingshire
"Working in the North of Scotland gives you the opportunity for a great quality of life. If you like the great outdoors, this is the place for you, with mountains, lochs and sandy beaches on your doorstep." John Neil, general manager, Aberdeen Marriott
"Why did I choose to return and work in Scotland? I suppose it was the opportunity to live in the quaintly named Fife town of Achtermuchty." David Pease, managing director of Sodexho Scotland
"I moved to Scotland from London 20 months ago. I go to the gym every afternoon and hit golf balls for lunch. I don't have to sit on the Tube or in a traffic jam every day. It is summed up in three words that are often sadly missing in this industry, ‘quality of life'."
Giles Selves, food & beverage manager, the Westin Turnberry Resort, Ayrshire
- "The tourist industry is the fastest-growing sector and largest employer in Scotland, creating great job opportunities. The people are friendly and the pace of life is just that little bit slower than it is south of the border."
Karina Glennie, human resources executive, Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh
"There's a time and place for everything. In catering terms now is the time and Scotland's the place." Mike Ball, operations director BaxterSmith Scotland
"My team comes from a wide cross-section of the local community: single mums who like the flexible hours; people who have full-time jobs elsewhere but work part-time with us because they enjoy the environment and the people they meet; students; and work placements. The one thing everyone has in common is the Glasgow sense of humour. This is what gets us through when things get busy and a bit hectic."
Jamie Buchanan, general manager, Glasgow Airport Travel Inn
The downside
The weather - let's face it, it can rain a lot and further north be snowy and cold
Away from the action - if it's a fast-paced cosmopolitan life you need, stick to Glasgow and Edinburgh
Hot properties?
Scotland's five million population live primarily around the geographical area known as the "Central Belt", namely between Edinburgh, Glasgow and Stirling. The country's three other cities are Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen.
In the new devolved parliament, the Scottish Executive is responsible for education, health, agriculture and justice and is independent from Westminster on these matters.
In 2004 the Scottish Executive announced a 7.25% NHS spend increase for Scotland's 15 health boards.
The property market is booming and Myhouseprice.com recently reported housing prices have risen 21% in the past 12 months across Scotland. The strongest growth is in Glasgow, where prices leapt 26% from January 2003.
Across Scotland, the average price has risen to £111,646, although the median house price is just £88,550 - myhouseprice.com says the median value is more accurate as it is less distorted by the sales of higher-priced properties.
