Angus Robertson to hold trade and culture talks in two-day Spain visit

External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson is visiting Spain on a two-day mission to improve trade and cultural links with Scotland.

Robertson will hold talks with ministers in Madrid, as well as culture and tourism sector bodies, with discussions to cover "potential trade and investment opportunities", the Scottish Government said.

This includes the energy sector and hydrogen generation, and future "cultural collaborations".

Paradores de Turismo de Espana - Spain's state-owned chain of 100 hotels in key historic buildings - will also be covered as the Scottish Government seeks to learn more about the enterprise.

Talks on depopulation, a challenge to communities in both countries, is also on the agenda.

Arriving in Madrid, Robertson said Scotland had a "longstanding history and friendship with Spain" through arts and culture. He said: "Both countries face the huge challenge of shaping innovative and sustainable solutions to the complex issue of depopulation and, on that issue, Scotland has much to learn from Spain.

"With many countries across the world concerned about rising energy prices and the cost-of-living crisis, the green hydrogen links between our countries also offer significant scope for investment.

"I'm looking forward to sharing our experiences and knowledge on these issues with the Spanish government and to building on the strong relationship with one of our most important European trading partners."

Next year the Scottish Chamber Orchestra will perform at the Festival Internacional de Musica de Canarias. National Galleries of Scotland will also send several exhibitions to Madrid for audiences there.

Exports to Spain were worth just over £1bn in 2019 and the country is Scotland's eighth largest export market.