The British Council Scotland's mission is to enhance the reputation of Scotland and the UK in the world, and to contribute to building an internationally-oriented, outward-looking Scotland. It works in close partnership with Scottish Development International, the Scottish Government, the Scottish Arts Council and the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE), among others.

A highly active arts programme is a feature of the British Council in Scotland. The Bookcase and Showcase (at the Edinburgh festivals) are major annually occuring projects which the British Council Scotland presents in collaboration with the Edinburgh International Book Festival and British Council headquarters.

British Council Scotland also works closely with Visiting Arts throughout the year and especially at Edinburgh festival time to ensure that the widest possible range of foreign artists and arts companies are presented in Scotland.