Colin R. Gray, Head of the Scottish Government Office in the United States, reflected on his wide-ranging diplomatic career, the value of persistence, and the enduring power of connection in international relations in an event held in Garrett Hall last week for students, faculty, staff, and community members. 

Gray, a native of Perth, Scotland, serves as one of Scotland’s most visible representatives abroad, advancing Scottish cultural and economic interests, building transatlantic partnerships, and sharing his country’s story on the global stage. He shared his thoughts in a wide-ranging conversation with UVA Batten chief innovation officer Christine Mahoney. 

“It’s a dream to represent the country I’m from,” Gray said. “There’s something really special about being Scottish abroad. There’s a warmth that people feel when they hear it, and an opportunity to build real connections from that.” 

Gray spent his early 20s writing for a tabloid newspaper, where he honed a communication style that remains central to his work as a diplomat. “Journalism taught me how to tell stories in a clear and concise way,” he said. “There’s an old saying that if someone were to spill a cup of coffee on your article and is only able to read the first three lines, they should still understand the message.” 

His first attempt to enter the diplomatic corps was unsuccessful, but he didn’t give up. “At 24, I failed. Then I reapplied,” he shared. “You don’t have to get it right the first time.” 

Mahoney emphasized the lesson for students: “Try and try again. These careers are competitive, but that’s because they’re worth it.” 

Gray’s first foreign service posting was as a desk officer for Gibraltar, immediately placing him at the center of complex geopolitical issues. Despite being new to the field, he found meaning in the challenge. “I had to learn quickly how to navigate tensions, especially in places like Gibraltar where colonial legacies shape current-day relationships,” he said.  

Asked about the greatest challenge of his career, Gray described learning Korean as one of his most intellectually demanding and rewarding experiences. After mastering the language, he served as head of communications at the British Embassy in Seoul. 

“It was four hours of Korean every day,” he said, smiling. “But it’s a dream, really, being able to represent your country in a foreign language, tell its story, and build bridges across cultures.” 

Now, as the lead representative of Scotland in the United States, Gray plays a different kind of diplomatic role, one that blends cultural pride with economic strategy. 

“Scotland isn’t a sovereign state, but we have a strong international brand,” he said. “Our history, our people, our innovation, these are things that resonate deeply, especially in the U.S., where millions claim Scottish heritage.” 

Gray noted that the United States is Scotland’s number one trading partner, with growing interest in sectors like renewable energy, film, and satellite manufacturing. “Glasgow is now Europe’s leading city for satellite manufacturing,” he said. “We’re not just telling stories about the history and heritage, we’re also telling stories about modern Scotland.” 

Asked about Brexit and Scotland’s future in Europe, Gray was candid. “The UK’s departure from the EU was painful,” he said. “Scotland didn’t support that decision. We still believe in the European project, and we’re working to maintain those connections.” 

On maintaining strong transatlantic ties amid political shifts, Gray stressed the resilience of diplomatic relationships. “Parties change, governments change. But the relationships we build between people, communities, and businesses, those endure,” he said. 

Gray left with a parting sentiment that if you can connect with people, you can make a difference, no matter where you are in the world. 

“You don’t always have to agree,” he said. “But you have to be curious. You have to listen. You have to be willing to understand someone else’s perspective. That’s the heart of diplomacy.” 

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