It’s not just the oil and gas exports that make the money now. After decades of experience gained in the North Sea and in west of Shetland’s deeper stormier waters, Scotland now earns just over half of its income from international business supplying equipment and expertise across the globe. I’ve written about this already:
In the above nearly six months ago, I quoted the Aberdeen Evening Express:
‘Scotland’s “expertise in renewable energy” is in demand around the world, with businesses working in more than 40 countries, according to new research. Projects include advising the government of Japan, providing cranes to build wind farms in Morocco and South Africa and working with the World Bank in Chile, industry body Scottish Renewables said.’
This report quantifies just how important this kind of activity is for the Scottish economy. The Scottish Government through Scottish Enterprise has played a significant part in this growth:
‘Through the Energy Jobs Taskforce, we have delivered a significant amount of support to companies around key areas such as innovation, diversification, leadership and internationalisation. An example of this was a series of new market guides published late last year to help companies understand more about potential new markets. Helping companies to grow their international activity saw 59 companies join us in May on the Scotland pavilion at OTC in Houston, one of the world’s largest oil and gas shows. Events like these make a huge difference to companies looking to grow their international presence, helping them showcase their world-renowned skills and experience and build important new contacts.’
The survey producing the £11.4 billion figure was carried out by Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce for Scottish Enterprise and had responses from 295 companies employing 63 000 staff
Talking-up Scotland 
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