Tampa, FL, March 1, 2005/ - The Rt Hon Jack McConnell, MSP, First Minister of Scotland has extended an invitation to Ian MacKechnie, Founder, President, and CEO of Amscot Financial, headquartered in Tampa, Florida, to become a Globalscot member.

Globalscot, an international network of Scots, is committed to advancing Scotland 's economic development agenda. Globalscot invests in developing global relationships; accessing world class business knowledge and expertise and growing a resource to advance Scotland 's economic development. It is a strong network of over 700 influential individuals from around the world who have an affiliation with Scotland and want to contribute to and share in its economic success.

Globalscot members are chosen based on a variety of criteria, most notably, their area of expertise, industry knowledge and ability to provide vision and leadership within the global business community. As a Globalscot member, Ian MacKechnie will be able to connect with senior business leaders from around the world.

“I am thrilled at the opportunity to become a Globalscot member!” said Ian MacKechnie. “The entrepreneurial spirit runs equally strong in Scotland as it does here in the United States . The incredible learning opportunities both here and abroad can be shared through the Globalscot community and I am honored to be a part of it,” added MacKechnie.

Headquartered in Tampa , FL , Amscot Financial is a leading provider of income tax preparation and electronic filing services, refund anticipation loans, check cashing services, cash advance services, money transfer services and money orders through its wholly owned division, Amscot International Money Order Company. Amscot Financial currently operates 84 tax preparation offices and 84 retail financial service centers throughout Florida and employs more than 1,500 people. For additional information, please visit the company's website at www.amscotfinancial.com.