CEiS » Opening Ceremony - Edinburgh Castle
Delegates were greeted at the Castle entrance by a scottish piper before proceeding on foot to a evening reception held in the Jacobite Redcoat Hall at one of the world's most famous castles and world heritage sites.
Laurie Russell, Chair of the Scottish Social Enterprise Coalition and CEO Wise Group, Chaired the evening introducing each of the speakers.
Councillor Tom Buchanan, of Edinburgh City Council welcomed delegates to the City and outlined that Edinburgh was delighted to be the host city for the inaugural Social Enterprise World Forum.
John Swinney Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth outlined the interest of the Scottish Government in Social Enterprise and wished delegates well for the conference.
Jim McFarlane, MD Operations of Scottish Enterprise, spoke about Scotland as a business environment outlining how a strong social enterprise sector complements the growth and development plans of Scottish Enterprise.
John Watt, Director, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, Strengthening Communities Group, outlined the unique characteristics of The Highlands and Islands of Scotland. John described the geography and cultural features that make The Highlands and Islands a unique place in which to do business and gave examples of how social enterprises are flourishing with support from HIE and the Scottish Government.
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