On 19 November, our Scotland team, Graeme McNaull, Executive Director, Public Sector, Craig Ross, Senior Consultant and Fiona Macleod, Account Manager, attended DigitalScotland 2025, an event that marked a significant milestone for the country’s digital future.
Held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, the conference coincided with the launch of Scotland’s refreshed national digital strategy, setting the tone for a year focused on real delivery and meaningful progress.
From the opening discussions, it was clear the message across government and public-sector leadership was consistent that the foundations laid in 2021 are strong, now it’s about execution, and doing it at pace.
Turning strategy into action
Senior voices from across Scottish Government and Local Government took to the stage, including Minister Ivan McKee, Permanent Secretary Joe Griffin, Digital Director Geoff Huggins, and CDO for Local Government Martyn Wallace. Together, they set out what the next phase of Scotland’s digital journey must look like.
Key themes throughout the day included:
- Connected public services that are easier for the public to access and navigate
- Clear accountability across departments and delivery teams
- Strong data flows and the use of reusable digital components
- Modular, flexible procurement to accelerate innovation
- Shared talent pools and less internal competition
- Leadership mindset is the true differentiator
Transparency, speed, and tangible delivery are what the public expects, and what Scotland now aims to deliver.
A strategy shaped by collaboration
The event also highlighted Scotland’s growing international influence in digital public services. Denmark’s Ambassador to the UK, Kristina Miskowiak Beckvard, shared examples of ongoing collaboration and the strengthening digital partnership between the two countries.
We also heard from Theo Blackwell MBE, Chief Digital Officer for London’s public services, who spoke about how Scotland’s model, particularly the work led by Martyn Wallace and the Digital Office, has directly inspired approaches in London, Liverpool and even Tokyo.
It was a reminder that Scotland is no longer just following global best practice, it’s helping to set it.
How we support Scotland’s journey
For our team at Harvey Nash, DigitalScotland 2025 was a powerful reminder of just how critical the right talent is to delivering on the country’s refreshed digital strategy.
We work closely with public-sector organisations across Scotland to help them build the teams, skills and leadership needed to turn big ambitions into real outcomes.
From digital transformation to data modernisation, Scotland’s next phase of delivery will depend on attracting, developing and retaining exceptional tech talent. That’s where we come in by supporting organisations to scale effectively while helping candidates find meaningful, impactful roles within the sector.
If you're interested in shaping Scotland’s digital future, explore our latest opportunities in Scotland.
