The Honorary Consulate General in Edinburgh works with a wide range of Scottish public and private organisations to promote the cultural and commercial interests of Norway in Scotland. It provides consular services to Norwegians and those wishing to visit Norway, supports Government and other delegations visiting Scotland, maintains close contacts with Scottish politicians and civil servants in order to monitor political developments in Scotland and generally provides support to Norwegians living in and visiting Scotland.
The Honorary Consulate General is the Norwegian Embassy in London’s office in Scotland.
Background
Following the closure of the Norwegian Consulate General in Edinburgh (a career diplomatic post) in 2008 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs deliberately established the Honorary Consulate General with a fundamentally different role from other Honorary Consular posts. Today its role as an Honorary post is unique within the Norwegian foreign service.
The office consists of an Honorary Consul General (David Windmill) whose geographical areas of responsibility are Edinburgh, the Lothians, the Scottish Borders, the Shetland Isles and Western Isles.
A Consul (Mona Røhne) is employed full time at the offices in Rutland Square, Edinburgh. Mona Røhne’s geographical area of responsibility is the whole of Scotland. Mona Røhne also devotes approximately 30% of her time working for the Norwegian Embassy in London mainly on press, information and cultural affairs. She also handles enquiries for the Embassy consular team in London and supports the five Honorary Consuls in Scotland in carrying out their consular duties.
The Honorary Consulate General is funded by the Norwegian Embassy in London and in addition to the spacious and accessible office premises in central Edinburgh has a small budget to support its commercial and cultural activities.
Activities
There are three core events in Edinburgh during the year which provide the opportunity to promote Norway and Norwegian culture. They are:
- The Norwegian Constitution Day – 17th May
- Edinburgh’s festivals in the Summer months
- Norwegian Christmas Tree at Edinburgh’s Christmas Festival
Constitution Day is organised by Norwegian students supported by the Honorary Consulate General. Norway is the only country allowed to parade through the streets of Edinburgh. It is a colourful, high profile event which attracts many Norwegians and friends of Norway.
The major Edinburgh International Festivals which includes music, theatre, dance, literature, comedy, film, jazz, children’s theatre and Edinburgh Military Tattoo attract huge audiences in the months of June, July and August and increasing participation by Norwegian musicians, authors and actors. When attending the Tattoo the Norwegian Kings Guard honours Nils Olav every 4 years. The Honorary Consulate General hold suitable events to promote Norwegian arts and culture.
The gift of a Norwegian Christmas Tree to the city of Edinburgh by Hordaland County Council in recognition of help received during the 2nd World War goes back over 40 years. The lighting of the tree kicks off Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay festivals. A delegation from Hordaland plays a central role in this event. Norwegian and Scottish singers and musicians hold an Advent concert in St Giles Cathedral.
Political Affairs
In the 20 years since it was established the Scottish Parliament has received considerably more powers from Westminster making it increasingly important in deciding how Scotland is governed. The Honorary Consulate General maintains close contacts with Scottish Ministers and MSPs, attending briefings, meetings and conferences.
There are regular visits by Norwegian Ministers, politicians and Standing Committees which the Honorary Consulate General plays a major role in organising.
Economic Affairs
The Honorary Consulate General is a member of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce. It works with it and the Norwegian British Chamber of Commerce to promote commercial activity between the two countries. A quarter of Norwegian companies with a presence in the UK are based in Scotland – approx. 100 within industries such as oil and gas, aquaculture, renewable energy, fishing and wood products are key sectors for Norway in Scotland.
The Honorary Consulate General’s offices can be used by Norwegian companies and organisations to promote their business.
Cultural affairs
There is a strong and historic cultural link between Norway and Scotland. In addition to the world renowned Edinburgh festivals at which Norwegian artists regularly and increasingly appear they also perform at the St Magnus festival (Orkney), Islay and Aberdeen Jazz festivals. Norwegian authors appear in various Scottish literary festivals.
The Honorary Consulate General supports all these events, organising press trips and providing information, contacts and financial support to a wide range of cultural organisations throughout Scotland.
Academic affairs
Scotland and particularly Edinburgh (with 4 universities) is popular with Norwegian students. The Honorary Consulate General actively supports them through their student unions. The Honorary Consulate General through membership of the Consular Corps of Edinburgh & Leith maintains regular and active contact with Edinburgh University. More recently there has been school exchange programmes for Norwegian students to spend a year studying at schools near Edinburgh.
General
Edinburgh is a popular city for Norwegian companies, local authorities and public bodies to hold conferences, ‘away days’ and learning journeys. When requested the Honorary Consulate General will help organise or give presentations on Scotland.
There are active Norwegian-Scottish Associations in Scotland which the Honorary Consulate General supports.
