A Scottish business leader has demanded an economic strategy free from “political paralysis” and focused on practical decision-making.
Scottish Chambers of Commerce president Rodney Ayre said its new Business Plan for Scotland, due in the year new, will demand decisive action on skills, infrastructure, digital capacity and global competitiveness.
“Our Business Plan is about the future Scotland needs: not one paralysed by the past or poleaxed by politics, but one where our policymakers take strategic, lasting decisions that deliver sustainable economic growth, wealth, and jobs,” he told 650 guests at the Chambers’ annual business address.
The plan sets out business priorities for beyond next year’s Holyrood elections to 2050.
“The choices our politicians make are not abstract: they shape confidence across boardrooms, shopfloors, and communities,” said Mr Ayre.
“That’s why our Business Plan for Scotland makes the case for practical, evidence-led decision-making that will pay dividends for decades to come.”
Mr Ayre emphasised Scotland’s economic trajectory over the next 25 years must be defined by evidence-led decision-making and a renewed focus on competitiveness.
Outgoing chief executive Liz Cameron said: “Scotland stands at a crossroads. The choice ahead is not political. It is generational. Do we settle, or do we show ambition and leadership?”
Dr Cameron warned that Scotland risks falling behind its international peers.
She said decisions taken by Government must be made in partnership with business, emphasising the need for cross-sector leadership.
Delivering her final address after two decades in the role, she said: “Looking back on my 21 years at the helm of SCC, I am deeply proud of what we have achieved together amid seismic political and economic change.
“Leadership is not about titles or strategy: it is about integrity, collaboration, and resilience. My role has always been to ensure that Scotland’s business voice is heard where it matters most: at Holyrood, at Westminster, and on the global stage.”
Swinney hails Scotland’s credit rating
First Minister John Swinney told the gathering that he was “optimistic about Scotland’s economic strengths”, adding that “we continue to make progress, and build the foundations we need for our future economic success.”
He reminded guests that earlier this month two credit ratings agencies, Moody’s and S&P Global, had given Scotland the highest possible credit rating under current circumstances.
“Reflect on that for a moment,” he said. “Two independent, international agencies, using different methodologies, have come to that same conclusion. They have placed us ahead of many much larger global economies – including Spain, Japan, and Italy.
“This is an extremely positive step towards raising Scotland’s profile in the international capital markets, and demonstrating that we are serious about becoming a more investor friendly destination.”
Moody’s rated the Scottish Government as Aa3 and S&P Global rated it as AA, both identical to the UK’s Sovereign rating.
They highlighted the strength and diversity of Scotland’s economy, its strong institutional framework, and the government’s prudent financial management and low levels of debt.
The announcement prompted Mr Swinney to kickstart plans to issue a government bond as part of his broader plans for independence.
However, Moody’s warned that the rating “is not an indicative credit rating for an independent Scotland” and is “supported by the well-established devolution framework that Scotland operates under, with a requirement to maintain a balanced budget and predictable grant allocation.”
It added that “Scottish independence could exert downward pressure on the rating by introducing heightened uncertainty about the institutional framework and potentially raising financial stability risks.”
S&P Global added: “We could also lower the rating if Scotland took material steps toward independence from the UK.”
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