Given the grinding of political axes is commonplace when it comes to debating the attractiveness of Scotland as a place to do business - with people’s constitutional stances sometimes seriously endangering objectivity - an external view is valuable.

As poet Robert Burns put it in To A Louse: “O wad some Power the giftie gie us. To see oursels as ithers see us! It wad frae monie a blunder free us. An' foolish notion.”

Hearteningly for those who like to see Scotland succeed, there is much encouraging in terms of the international perception of the nation.

Scotland has over the years performed impressively in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), in contrast to the “foolish notion” of some detractors who try to paint the nation as an economic basket case.

More about that FDI success later.

Last week, research published by Young Company Finance concluded that “Scotland's early-stage investment landscape continues to broaden its international appeal”.

YCF’s latest Scotland newcomer investors report showed 73 investors new to the Scottish market participating in funding rounds during 2024.

Highlighting growing international interest, YCF declared: “The 73 newcomer investors in 2024 represent the highest number recorded since 2021, demonstrating Scotland's expanding reputation as an attractive investment destination.”

An “expanding reputation” for Scotland is something that should be music to the ears of all, although it will likely be heard as a bum note by those who would for their own political ends rather hear a different tune.

YCF, which confirmed that more than half of the 73 newcomer investors in 2024 were from overseas, observed: “The report, which........

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