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A recent YouGov poll has disclosed that only 9 per cent consider that Brexit has been a success, while 62 per cent consider it a failure. I am happy to take an intervention from Stephen Kerr on that point. No—he is in his seat.

I welcome Scotland’s overseas network of offices in Beijing, Berlin, Brussels, Dublin, London, Ottawa, Paris and Washington, and the more than 30 Scottish Development International trade and investment offices in around 20 countries to promote co-operation in areas of devolved responsibility at the national and sub-national level.

I return to Scottish culture, one of Scotland’s greatest exports, which can support our wider international connections, including trading relationships. Tourism is based inextricably in our history and culture, and it is also a key economic contributor.

I will be a bit parochial here, representing, as I do, the Scottish Borders. We have the eclectic Abbotsford, home of the talented and colourful Sir Walter Scott, who did much to revive tartan, and Melrose abbey, where the heart of Robert the Bruce is buried. How many here know the weel-kent children’s song “Ally Bally Bee”, which, I would suggest, is the first-ever advertising jingle and was the creation of a Galashiels weaver, the mischievous confectionery trader Robert Coltart. Then there are the common ridings, which bring expats back to their communities.

We have the history, we have culture, we have those millions with Scottish ancestry across the globe, and we have the saltire, which is recognised the world over as the flag of Scotland, but we do not have our own voice.

I congratulate the Scottish Government on the international measures that it is taking, constrained as it is by devolution. However, I say gently to Willie Rennie—and certainly not gently to Stephen Kerr—how much more we could do with our independence.

Scotland, notwithstanding some dark moments in its history—its role in the slave trade and the British Empire, for example—has that lucky advantage on the world stage of being an instantly recognisable brand. It is identifiable as a nation even though we are not yet a completed nation—independent—and are therefore excluded from the United Nations and other international organisations and treaties.

It is not just about the piper on the shortbread tins, but do not underestimate shortbread or whisky: as Stephen Kerr indicated, global exports grew to more than £6 billion for the first time in 2022, according to figures released by the Scotch Whisky Association, up 37 per cent by value. All of that went into the UK Treasury coffers.

I hope that this is going to be worth while, Mr Kerr.

Mr Kerr has a strange idea of what a nation is when you have to stand outside a door and ask permission of another nation to have your voice heard.

The skirl of the pipes is a national identifier, as are the songs of Burns, the clans and their tartans and the internationally recognised “Auld Lang Syne”, none of which we should apologise for. It is also the landscape, urban and rural, and often used for film locations, that shouts that this is Scotland. Despite more than 300 years of the union, we have kept our identity strong. I speak as one being English by birth but a proud Scot.

Any advertising company would give its right arm for just one such internationally recognisable badge, let alone a whole cupboard-full. Add to that the upwards of 40 million people across the world claiming Scottish heritage, and we have an enviable foundation on which to expand and build international relations through all spheres.

Let me correct Maurice Golden. The current population of Scotland is around 5.5 million and we are the beneficiaries of net migration. In 2021, from the rest of the UK it was net 10,000, and from overseas it was net 20,000. However, I recall from the mid-1950s that families of neighbours on either side of our council house emigrated, some under the £10 scheme to Australia and others to Canada and New Zealand, in particular. It is therefore not surprising that, in Australia, stats from 2021 indicate that 130,000 residents were born in Scotland and 2 million residents claim Scottish ancestry.

In Canada, in 2016, nearly 4 million people—14 per cent of the population—claimed Scottish ancestry. Today, the figure is estimated to be as high as 25 per cent. You can add another four to that figure, Presiding Officer, as one of my sons and his family emigrated there just last year—to Nova Scotia, of all places. For family balance, the other son emigrated to London. In New Zealand, although it is difficult to get accurate data, it is estimated that between 1 and 2 million people claim part or whole Scottish ancestry.

All of that provides a ready-made base of good will towards Scotland, which can be—and is—translated into economic benefits. That good will extends to our European neighbours—whom, of course, we did not want to leave. Interestingly, even Nigel Farage considers that Brexit has been a failure with no economic benefits. One might add to that the damaging economic consequences.

The 95 per cent drop is more like a fine. Am I right?

Right. I follow you.

I understand that.

Yes.

Yes, I saw that.

I was interested in the figures. I did not know how much money you were talking about. Thank you.