Political Index Feature

St Andrew’s Day: Reflecting on Malawi, Uk ties

This year, we have been marking 50 years of Malawi’s independence. Malawi’s history has a strong connection with the UK, but particularly with Scotland—one only has to highlight David Livingstone and Blantyre as examples. Over my two years as High Commissioner here, I have seen the Malawi-UK, and especially Scotland, relationship grow from strength to strength.

The increasingly vibrant Scotland-Malawi Partnership organisation now has a sister Malawi-Scotland Partnership organisation. British Government Minister in the Scotland Office David Mundell and ministers Michael Russell and Humza Yousaf from the devolved Scottish government visited Malawi. I accompanied former president Joyce Banda on her visit to Scotland in 2013 and Foreign Minister George Chaponda is there this week.

Saint Andrew Day
Saint Andrew Day

In November, the Lord Provost of Glasgow (mayor equivalent) signed an agreement for cooperation with Lilongwe City Council. And, at an event in Civo Stadium and at the residence in January, we celebrated the arrival of the Queen’s Baton ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

On November 29, both in Blantyre and in Lilongwe, where I was, St Andrew’s Day celebrations were held, attended by Scots, Malawians and other nationalities. It is an opportunity to highlight the best of Scotland: its history and heritage, rich culture, creativity and commerce and home to some of the most breath-taking sceneries imaginable.

The 12 months since the last St Andrew’s Day have been remarkable for Scotland. It has been a year when Scotland has welcomed the world, hosted two great international sporting events and when the Scottish people determined their own future. 2014 has been, unofficially at least, the year of Scotland.

And what a year it has been!

The Commonwealth Games brought 6 500 athletes to Glasgow. They came from 71 nations and territories, representing a third of the world’s population. Over a million people filled Glasgow’s sporting arenas and over a billion watched on TV. Who can forget the assistance provided by a local bicycle shop to Malawi’s team in the form of top-class racing bikes.

And then the eyes of more than half a billion viewers in 183 countries turned to Gleneagles as Europe’s and America’s best golfers battled it out for the glory of winning the Ryder Cup.

2014 was also the year that the United Kingdom demonstrated that values are not just something we talk about abroad—we live by them at home.

In a defining moment in British history and by a decisive majority, the Scots voted to remain part of the United Kingdom, one of the most durable and successful political unions ever seen. Who would have thought that politics could be more exciting than sport?

In a world where separatism all too often leads to conflict, the Scottish referendum demonstrated Britain’s confidence in its own democratic institutions and processes.

A free and open debate electrified the nation; a peaceful, lawful and democratic vote drew admiration from around the world; and, with a record turnout, the settled will of the Scottish people was determined.

St Andrew’s Day is an ideal time to think about the impact Scots and Scotland have had on the world. From Haggis to Hogmanay, golf to the Highland Games—to its less well-known exports.

Did you know, for example, that James Bond is not English? Scottish author Ian Fleming described him in his books as a Scot. Or that penicillin was discovered by another Fleming, and that television and the steam engine were invented in Scotland, too?

Scotland today has a huge amount to offer whether you are a tourist, a student or looking to do business.

About 20 million people a year visit Scotland for its mix of vibrant, cosmopolitan cities; the biggest arts festival in the world; the beautiful, clean and unspoilt scenery, with thousands of historic castles, houses, battlegrounds, ruins and museums.

And 40 000 overseas students, including Malawians, come every year to further their education. There is, for example, a tie-up between the University of Dundee and the Ministry of Mines to train geology students.

Malawian students may also have bumped in to His Royal Highness Prince William and his future wife at St Andrew’s University, when they were studying there.

This academic excellence helps to continue Scotland’s proud tradition of innovation. With the highest level of education in the UK outside of London, Scotland is already a top location for research and development (R&D) and Foreign Direct Investment in the UK.

And with increased certainty about Scotland’s political future, many other firms will be looking to join household names like Amazon, Dell, Samsung, Microsoft, IBM, Morgan Stanley and Pfizer in moving their operations to Scotland.

Businesses can make use of Europe’s fifth largest financial centre, Edinburgh, and the expertise that Scotland offers in sectors as diverse as financial services; life sciences and biotech; oil and gas; renewable energy; and technology.

Visitors can enjoy Scotland’s food and drink, famed around the world, and the great outdoors.

And let us not forget Scotland’s contribution to global fashion. It is no accident that tartan and high quality Scottish textiles are beloved of designers the world over.

This St Andrew’s Day, take another look at Scotland. Whether it is uncovering forgotten Scottish ancestors, forging a new business relationship or enjoying an unforgettable holiday, you can be sure it will surprise you.

The writer is British High Commissioner to Malawi

 

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