The Scottish Government said Scotland’s economic ties with Canada will be strengthened through the launch of a new Scottish Government office in Ottawa next month.

The new Canada office will encourage investment between Canadian and Scottish businesses, promote Scotland as a place to work, study and visit, and encourage collaboration between business, research, education and cultural institutions.

Canada has consistently been a top 20 export partner for Scotland, with exports in 2016 totalling £610 million.

It is also one of Scotland’s biggest inward investors, with around 3,650 jobs provided by 45 Canadian companies in Scotland.

Roughly 9,500 Canadians currently live and work in Scotland and more than 1,000 Canadian students are currently enrolled in Scottish universities — Scotland’s sixth largest source of international students.

Visitor numbers from Canada to Scotland increased 50% in the last year to more than 149,000 visitors — the fourth largest international market — with spending of £130 million.

External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “This new office will help us strengthen our relationships with Canada, putting a focus on encouraging trade and investment and showcasing Scotland as a great place to work, study and visit.

“This will be the first time we have had a presence in Canada’s capital city which means our new team will be able to develop closer policy and political links with the Canadian Government, business, education and third sector partners.

“In the face of Brexit uncertainty, Scotland continues to be an attractive place to invest and do business.”