King Charles III is set to honour Scotland's dynamic business community at a special reception in Edinburgh, highlighting the nation's enduring spirit of innovation and enterprise.
A Royal Gathering for Scottish Business
The event, scheduled for Monday 19 January 2026, will take place within the historic Throne Room at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. His Majesty will be joined by Scotland's First Minister, John Swinney, in a show of cross-institutional support for the country's economic drivers.
Together, they will meet an influential gathering of investors, business representatives, and industry leaders. The focus will be on pioneering sectors where Scotland excels, including technology, healthcare, and artificial intelligence (AI).
Spotlight on Heritage and Innovation
The reception will begin with a focus on a prime example of Scottish tradition meeting modern excellence. The King and the First Minister will first meet representatives from the esteemed Rosebank Distillery.
Founded in Falkirk in 1840, Rosebank is hailed not just for its whisky but as a benchmark for innovation, sustainability, and biodiversity in business practices. Its global acclaim was cemented by winning the prestigious best in show award at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
As part of the celebrations, both King Charles and Mr Swinney will have the opportunity to taste a dram of the distillery's award-winning whisky, symbolising a toast to Scottish quality and craftsmanship.
Celebrating a Forward-Looking Scotland
This reception underscores a shared commitment to fostering Scotland's entrepreneurial spirit. By bringing together established heritage brands like Rosebank with leaders from cutting-edge industries, the event paints a picture of a nation confidently building on its past to secure a prosperous future.
The presence of both the Monarch and the First Minister at this gathering sends a powerful message of unity and support for the business community, recognising its vital role in the nation's economy and global reputation.
