First Minister Alex Salmond has spoken of the strong relationship between Scotland and the US during a reception to mark the 236th anniversary of the signing of the US declaration of Independence.
The First Minister told guests at the Edinburgh US Consulate reception that the unique relationship between Scotland and the US was now stronger than ever.
He said: “This week – 236 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence – US citizens will celebrate the most important date in their calendar. There is a special connection to Scotland in that the US Senate has acknowledged the profound influence of Scotland’s Declaration of Arbroath in shaping the US’s own Declaration .
“Scotland is a strong friend and partner to the United States and I saw this first-hand only recently when I visited the West Coast on a trade mission to develop business investment links. Together we will continue to further strengthen our strong ancestral, historical, cultural, and commercial ties in ways that will benefit our friendship and cooperation in years to come.”
The First Minister also took the opportunity to thank the US Government’s official representative in Scotland Dana Linnet on her departure to take up a senior post in the US State Department in Washington DC.
Mr Salmond added
“Scotland’s already extensive links with the US have been further strengthened through the supportive work of Principal Officer Dana Linnet since she arrived in Edinburgh in 2009.
“Dana, who is Dean of the Edinburgh and Leith Consular Corp , has been a good friend both of and to Scotland and has managed relationships between Edinburgh, London and Washington skilfully.
“She embraced her public diplomacy duties enthusiastically, made an effort to support US companies and to encourage trade, and was recognised by her peers when appointed Dean of the Consular Corp. We wish her well in her new post in Washington DC.”