Musicians head to Berlin as part of UK Government's 'Brand Scotland' trade mission

Young Scottish musicians will perform in Berlin this week as part of a UK Government effort to promote Scottish culture and attract international investment.

Members of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland (NYOS) and their guest soloist, Ryan Corbett, will perform at a business and government breakfast event at the British Ambassador’s residence, hosted by Scottish secretary Iain Murray and UK’s ambassador to Germany, Andrew Mitchell.

The event, dubbed ‘Symphony and Sausages’, will see guests served smoked salmon, haggis, black pudding and homemade potato scones while showcasing Scottish music.

It comes as part of efforts by the Scotland Office to boost ‘Brand Scotland’, promoting Scottish produce and culture in a bid to help economic growth.

Secretary for Scotland Ian Murray UK Government/Lauren Hurley

Murray said: “Scotland’s cultural excellence is one of our greatest assets in attracting international investment and driving economic growth. The National Youth Orchestra of Scotland represents some of our most extraordinary musical talent. I’m delighted that they are able to join me in Berlin, and this performance will demonstrate Scottish culture at its finest.

“My ‘Brand Scotland’ campaign is about selling all that is fantastic about Scotland to the world, to encourage both exports and inward investment in Scotland, and I’m very pleased that we have been able to fund this event in Berlin.’ Brand Scotland is a key part of the UK Government’s Plan for Change, bringing real rewards for people in Scotland.”

The visit is part of Murray’s ‘Brand Scotland’ trade mission to “sell the best of Scotland to the world”, forming part of the UK Government’s Plan For Change.

The orchestra is in Berlin to perform at the Young Euro Classic festival, premiering a new accordion concerto by Scottish composer Jay Capperauld under the baton of Catherine Larsen-Maguire.

During his two-day trip, Murray will also meet German officials, including Michael Meister, Minister of State for Federal-State Relations, and representatives from Germany’s 16 federal states.

The breakfast is funded by a £2,700 grant from the Scotland Office’s Brand Scotland fund, part of a wider UK Government programme to boost Scotland’s trading relationship with Europe.

Murray’s visit follows the signing of a new UK-Germany treaty and comes ahead of a speech in Edinburgh where he will outline the role of Scottish culture in economic growth.

The minister is also set to travel to India and Sweden as part of the ‘Brand Scotland’ initiative.