Scots have always been at the forefront of the dynamic booms in heavy engineering and manufacturing, to the ground-breaking research taking place today at our top universities. In the spheres of innovation and creativity Scotland has long been a world-class contributor.

But what about Public Diplomacy? How can a small nation best represent itself internationally to achieve its international objectives? How can it gain a stronger voice abroad and increase its impact on the global arena?

These were the questions posed at Scotland's Place in the World a public diplomacy symposium held at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh on the 22 January 2007.

We brought delegates from 10 different countries to discuss and explore how Scotland can make a greater impact in the global arena.

The symposium looked at three main issues:

			Niche diplomacy – should Scotland have a niche if so what should it be?
			Cultural Diplomacy – using Black Watch by National Theatre of Scotland as an successful example of theatre as cultural diplomacy
			Nation Branding – how can this be used to position a small nation internationally.

We have put together a series of short video clips of how events unfolded during the day.

Director, British Council Scotland

'What is timeline for future changes for Scotland’s Place in the world? What will determine those changes? Can any government effectively intervene to reposition a country globally nowadays?'

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Director, Mappa Mundi Consultants

'Public diplomacy is about changing action, not changing perceptions and that however you dress it up, we are in the influence business.'

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Netherlands Institute of International Relations

'Scotland has to build on its reputation and distinct identity to develop a public diplomacy focusing on aspects of society and culture that better reflects what makes Scotland tick as an independent-minded nation.'

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or read a PDF transcript of Jan Melisen's speach

Professor in Literature at the University of Iowa

Talking about the success of the play Black Watch
'Black Watch is a corrective, an imaginative attempt to deal with the damage done in our name.'

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or read a PDF transcript of Christopher Merrill's speech also the full speech as a podcast.

Senior Lecturer in Marketing, University of Glamorgan

'Scotland needs to decide what for them defines their nation. Historically, a nation and national identity has been defined as a political unit. However, more recent theories define a nation or a national identity from a more cultural perspective.'

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or read a PDF transcript of Heather Skinner's speach

Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture

'The challenge is to connect the past and the present and communicate that Scotland is a multifaceted country.'

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or read a PDF transcript of Linda Fabiani's speach

Singer songwriter

The day was rounded off with singer Eddi Reader singing some songs by Robert Burns.

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