A Burns Supper held in Dublin promotes Scotland-Ireland relations
Burns Night supper hosted by the British Ambassador in Dublin highlights Ireland’s growing importance to Scotland as a trading partner.
Left to Right: Dominick Chilcott, Fiona Hyslop and a member of the Scottish Highland Pipers
A traditional Scottish ‘Burns Night’ supper took place at the Ambassador’s Residence, Glencairn on 26 January in Dublin. The inaugural event was hosted by the British Ambassador to Ireland, Dominick Chilcott in memory of the famous poet Robert Burns. The evening was organised to highlight Ireland’s growing importance as a trading partner to Scotland, with Scottish exports to Ireland valued at £815 million a year.
Scottish government Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Europe and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop attended the supper as the guest of honour. Ms Hyslop delivered the traditional address to the immortal memory of Robert Burns focussing on the strength of the Scottish food and drink sector and the importance of strengthening Scotland-Ireland relations within the EU.
Earlier in the day, Ms Hyslop visited software firm Version 1 meeting CEO Jarlath Dooley. The Dublin-based company is expanding in the UK this year with plans underway to open a new office in Edinburgh, adding to presences in London, Birmingham and Belfast.
The Burns Supper illustrated how UK Trade and Investment(UKTI) and Scottish Development International SDI can help Irish companies considering entry into or expansion in the Scottish market. Among the assembled guests were senior business representative from both countries and companies including Glen Dimplex and Rubicon Heritage.
Images of the event can be viewed on the British Embassy Dublin Flickr Page
Ms Hyslop will return to Dublin to speak at the British Irish Chamber of Commerce Annual Conference on 27 February.