CULTURE, water and energy are three things Scotland has in spades. Last weekend, we managed to get all three as Stirling hosted a fantastic set of Highland Games, where even the mixed weather couldn’t put a dampener on people’s spirits.

The gathering was packed with several thousand people attending from all over Scotland.

There were plenty of international guests too, with English being intermingled with languages such as French and German. The energy of the place was electrifying, with plenty of folk enjoying the spectacles or just enjoying catching up with friends old and new.

It was also a great pleasure to welcome the First Minister, Humza Yousaf, to Stirling. He’s been doing a power of work going around the country engaging with activists and members of the public alike since being elected our leader. His enthusiasm was clear to see as we met with different groups and watched the events.

Events like the Highland Games showcase Scotland’s deep cultural heritage. Stirling itself is filled with links to Scotland’s past. Once the capital of Scotland for a time, the city boasts the impressive Stirling Castle, home of numerous kings and queens of Scotland.

It was often said that he who holds Stirling holds Scotland. As such it’s perhaps unsurprising that battles such as those fought at Stirling Bridge and Bannockburn played a decisive role in our nation’s history.

Meanwhile, the Wallace Monument looks down impassively onto the River Forth and surrounding area.

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There’s more to Scotland than just history though. If you want a taste of Scotland’s incredible scenery, there’s the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, which has a fantastic visitors centre just outside Aberfoyle.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve had the Edinburgh Festivals where many incredible acts have come to perform across the iconic city. And of course, Glasgow is host to a thriving music industry which has seen Scotland’s musical talent go global.

Scotland has a recognisable brand and a recognisable story. All across our wee country there is something for everybody, from the Borders to the islands, from the cities to our rural communities. It’s no wonder that so many people from around the world want to come here – even at the risk of wind and rain!

Equally though, this is also why whenever Scots go abroad, whether for work or fun, there is a strong interest in our nation in the North Atlantic. This has been the case whether I was representing Scotland in the European Parliament or more recently in Canada at the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, where I got to meet with plenty of folk with a strong interest in our culture and history.

And with a global diaspora of more than 40 million people, there is a market for those interested in Scotland’s past, present and future. Many come back home to rediscover their family heritage.

Others come to experience unique cultural events such as the Highland Games. And others come to invest and build a new life for themselves, whether it be studying at a world-class university or working in many of our innovative sectors such as finance, energy or technology.

With independence, we can look to enhance our outreach into the world instead of being limited by an overly-centralised Westminster government.

Indeed, the Scottish Government is already doing much of this work now with its Scotland Houses around the world or the Global Scot programme which brings together businesses and individuals with links to Scotland.

Non-governmental organisations such as the Scottish Business Network also do an incredible job of connecting those abroad with all that Scotland has to offer.

Yet it is only with the full powers of independence can Scotland truly engage on the international scene. Independence will enable us to participate in international organisations in our own right instead of relying on British officials to advocate for our interests.

Independence will allow us to sign up to international treaties and ensure we act as a force for good in the world and at home. And independence means getting back into the European Union, with its freedom of movement, helping our music bands go on tour once again and Europeans to come together in Scotland to experience all that we have to offer.

With all these benefits of independence, what’s not to like?