We see those shared links across Scottish culture to this day - in our art and music, in our sports and politics, in our cities and our communities.
I want to build on those links and, crucially, I want to learn from what Ireland has achieved.
Around the globe, Ireland is known as a welcoming and vibrant nation. Its arts and culture are internationally renowned and its cultural identity is a huge tourism draw.
In Scotland, we have the same story to tell.
We have a fantastic international reputation, world-class arts and ...