About Us

A minority SNP Scottish Government and the consequences of the 2016 Brexit vote which could trigger a further poll on Scottish independence means there's never been a more critical time to understand Scottish politics. It is also essential to appreciate, and be part of the debate around, Scotland's place in the wider UK political environment.

Every organisation - business, charity or public sector - is affected by the decisions taken by politicians. That's why you need to know what's happening in Holyrood and Westminster and why MSPs and MPs need to hear about your campaigns and your business.

Caledonia Public Affairs specialises in Scottish public affairs, government relations and media communications. With our experienced well connected team Caledonia are ideally placed to help you build effective relationships with policy makers. Working with associates in London, Cardiff, Belfast and Brussels we deliver fully integrated campaigns for clients across an impressive range of sectors.

We're effective, affordable and ethical. You need to communicate with decision makers so chat with our experienced team and existing clients first and find out how our unique Caledonia guarantee can work for you.

Caledonia operates to the highest levels of professional standards including a unique fee structure which guarantees no surprises or extras and transparency to at least the minimum required by statute.

We are members of ASPA, CIPR, SCDI, CSPP and Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce. Margaret Smith is also a full individual member of the PRCA.

Services

We offer the full range of communications services

Campaign organisation

Our professional team have decades of experience of organising powerful integrated public affairs campaigns which blend public relations, up to date political intelligence, events and engagement strategies.

Monitoring

We provide up-to-date, real time political monitoring, analysis and research. We cover relevant parliamentary debates, committees and First Minister’s Questions as well as targeted social media monitoring. We also undertake monitoring of other relevant UK and devolved Parliaments as required.

Policy briefings

We provide policy briefings on key events and issues. Briefings cover policy developments and proposed legislation in your areas of interest as well as the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government, Budget and ministerial reshuffles.

Political Audit and horizon scanning

Audits include identification of proposed relevant legislation or Government consultations as well as recommendations for action. Using our political insight, first hand experience and extensive network we analyze evolving debates.

Engagement programmes

Caledonia has extensive experience of organising a wide range of engagement strategies and programmes. We also deliver political party conference support including organising fringe events, contacts programme and exhibition stand cover.

Written communications

We provide responses to relevant Scottish Government and Scottish Parliamentary Committee consultations as well as stakeholder briefings on behalf of clients.

Training

Caledonia has a track record of providing media and political engagement training. We can deliver a range of bespoke media training and role play preparation to assist clients with Parliamentary Committee appearances and campaigns through our dedicated training website.

24/7 director level support

Our Directors are available around the clock to assist senior management in a crisis. We guarantee only senior professionals will work on your account. The Caledonia team pride ourselves on taking time to understand your needs so we become trusted members of your team

Our Team

Our experienced team delivers results for our clients

Margaret Smith

Director Margaret Smith joined the company in 2011 after serving for 12 years as MSP for Edinburgh West. As a former committee convener she brings an in depth personal knowledge of the Scottish Parliament. She currently represents clients in the food and drink, transport and health sectors.

Euan Robson

Euan Robson joined the Caledonia Public Affairs team in 2008. He served as MSP for Roxburgh & Berwickshire for eight years including a spell as Deputy Minister for Education and Young People. He represents a diverse range of clients, specialising in the environmental energy and regulated sectors.

Caledonia's Wider Team

Caledonia is proud to work with a wider team of eight senior associates on a part-time basis. Most have served as MSPs or MPs and, together, bring extensive experience of government, media relations and crisis management both at Holyrood and at Westminster. This is available to Caledonia clients on an ad hoc basis and we will be adding our associates' details to our website over the coming weeks.

"Caledonia carried out a number of perception audits for us, firstly amongst our political stakeholder base and then through some detailed work with our non-political stakeholder groups. They provided an excellent and professional service throughout, taking the time to understand our needs and tailoring their approach to ensure we got feedback which provided real value to us as an organisation."

Kevin Lang

Director of Communications, Marketing & Public Affairs - The Law Society of Scotland

"Caledonia have provided highly professional and impactful – as well as affordable – consultancy services for the Airport Operators Association, from political intelligence and policy briefings through to event arrangement and management. The Caledonia team have an excellent knowledge of all the issues relevant to our sector in Scotland. Their friendly, can-do, approach is also much valued by the AOA team – well done!"

Darren Caplan

Chief Executive - Airport Operators Association

"Prior to senior National Trust for Scotland executives giving evidence to a Holyrood Committee, Caledonia provided us with comprehensive advice and a training session including likely questions and answers, a mock committee session and the sort of insight which comes from their first-hand knowledge of how the Scottish Parliament works.
They helped us to present our evidence effectively and successfully and this allowed the NTS' aims and objectives for the session to be delivered."

Jim Whyteside

Head of Communications - The National Trust for Scotland

The team at Caledonia Public Affairs really understand how Scottish politics works. They’ve used their professional experience, contacts and flexible business manner to build Scottish Wholesale’s engagement with the Scottish Government and Parliament in an open and transparent manner. Nothing is too much trouble for them and they take an active part in our conferences and training events. Whether it's assisting us to prepare written responses to legislation, advising our Council or monitoring Holyrood business Caledonia are doing an excellent job of helping SWA engage with Scotland’s key decision makers.

Kate Salmon

Executive Director - Scottish Wholesale Association

We Are Caledonia

Simple, straightforward, effective and affordable Scottish Public Affairs