US Consul General visits Bute House ahead of his departure

First Minister John Swinney met US Consul General, Jack Hillmeyer, who is leaving Edinburgh at the beginning of July to thank him for his three-year tenure, and the positive impact he has made on US-Scotland relations.

The First Minister said:“The relationship between Scotland and the USA is deep and strong. It is both our largest inward investor, and our largest international export destination.

“I would like to thank Jack and his team for their work supporting the US community in Scotland and enhancing the strong relations between our two countries.

“During Jack’s tenure, he has encouraged many visitors to come to Scotland – I wish him well for his next posting, and hope he will not be a stranger here.

“The Scottish Government is looking forward to working with the incoming Consul General to enhance our collaboration with the USA on areas of shared mutual interest, including climate, green energy, trade, culture and higher education.”

During his time here the Consul General inaugurated a tartan for the US Consulate and he continued the tradition of marking Presidents’ Day in January each year at the Old Calton Cemetery where there is a statue of Abraham Lincoln.