A former senior adviser on European affairs has lamented the closure of Scotland Europa, a networking group that provided support to businesses and public agencies.

Scottish Enterprise announced this week that after funding the group for 33 years it was pulling the plug from next March.

John Edward, who has been a prominent adviser to Scotland on European policy, spent six years working for Scotland Europa in Brussels and says this is the latest withdrawal of links between Scotland, the UK and Europe.

Commenting on the closure of Scotland Europa, he said: “The last of three bodies which spoke to the country’s place in the European mainstream is being closed down. Their absence will leave very serious questions about who we are and where we are going – and they have nothing to do with constitutional or political differences, saying more about our overall priorities.”

Mr Edward was the spokesman for the “Stronger In” Remain campaign in 2016 and said the years since have seen “a steady retreat from our engagement with the EU and the partnerships and networks at every level that were the real meat and drink of membership.”

The demise of Scotland Europa follows the folding of the Scottish European Educational Trust and the closure of the European Parliament’s office, which Mr Edward headed for six years.

“Three of the pieces of European scaffolding there to support aspects of a devolved Scotland will soon be gone,” said Mr Edward.

Scotland Europa was the brainchild of a Conservative Secretary of State for Scotland, an outpost created within the framework of the enterprise agencies to seek partners, funding and collaboration.

“I have no doubt that the Scottish Government will wish to continue its presence in Brussels, albeit on a smaller footprint and with very specific responsibilities,” said Mr Edward.

“That does not diminish the loss of a “one-stop shop” for Scottish non-governmental interests, plugged in to the national and regional representations in Brussels and thereby beyond, not to mention the hundreds of commercial and policy interests on the ground within what is Europe’s “beltway”.

“Just as the Horizon programme is restarting within the UK, and very modest progress is being made on reducing some of the unavoidable new barriers to trade and cooperation, the sacrifice of 33 years of experience, reputation and contacts will be keenly felt.”

Mr Edward said he reflected at a conference on 25 years of devolution that the loss of the EU infrastructure had left the Scottish Parliament a lonelier place.

“Many of the key devolved powers such as environment, agriculture, fisheries and aspects of law were shared with the EU. MEPs provided a direct link to an elected assembly of every possible political persuasion with increasing influence in EU political balance.

“At one stage the European Parliament Office would host a regular information-sharing meeting between appropriate MSPs, MPs, MEPs, member of the two EU advisory committees for employers and employees, and for the “regions”.

“Irrespective of one’s political persuasion or of the desire to apportion blame, and aside from constitutional wrangling, these losses are considerable and not all ex machina.

“Business, public bodies, educational institutions and the third sector thrive on shared knowledge, timely counsel and sectoral expertise. To lose bodies that cater to all of these, and future generations too, is more than casual accident and a concern for any nation, region, state or body of interests that holds and declares aspirations for connectivity and progress.

“Scotland’s place in Europe has been built by many hands, far too many no longer with us. Donald John MacInnes, Neil MacCormick, John Mulgrew, Kirsty Macdonald, Ken Munro, John Purvis, James Temple-Smithson, Alison Edwards, Campbell Christie – the list sadly goes on growing.

“It is a poor memorial and shows a poorer sense of aspirations and priorities that we allow our doors to the outside continue to close.

A spokesperson from Scottish Enterprise said: “We remain committed to furthering Scotland’s trade, investment and collaboration in the EU however as part of our ongoing efforts to maximise efficiencies and align resources to transformational projects we have decided to cease funding for Scotland Europa.

“Our engagement will focus on key priorities for Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise missions through our network of international offices which currently spans eight member states.

“This also ensures the right alignment post Brexit and we will work in partnership with Scottish Government to maintain an ongoing and meaningful ‘Team Scotland’ presence in Brussels.”