Scotland is Norway's closest continental neighbour and parts of Norway are closer to Scotland than many places in the rest of the UK. The North Sea has not divided us through the years but has built a close relationship between the two countries. There are many similarities, such as the size of the population, geography and weather-conditions.
The purpose of the Consulate General is to encourage the growth of commercial and cultural relations between Scotland and Norway.
Around a quarter of all Norwegian companies in the UK are based in Scotland. Norwegian industries include oil, gas, energy, aquaculture, fishing, timber, the building industry, tourism and technology. The Consulate General works in close cooperation with The Royal Norwegian Embassy in London, Innovation Norway, Scottish Enterprise, and Scottish Chamber of Commerce as a door-opener for Norwegian business interests and as a catalyst for Norwegian-Scottish business co-operation to develop projects which may increase the contact between Norwegian and Scottish business life.
The Consulate General also works to promote Norwegian culture in Scotland through events such as concerts, lectures, festivals and exchange visits.
There are approximately 500 Norwegian students in Scotland as many choose to come to this part of the UK for their higher education. The Norwegian Church Abroad has a base in Aberdeen, and there are several Norwegian-Scottish societies in Scotland, amongst others in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Orkney.
