To:                   RNS

From:              The Scottish Oriental Smaller Companies Trust plc

Date:               27 April 2017

Change in Investment Management Arrangements

Wee-Li Hee, the lead portfolio manager for The Scottish Oriental Smaller Companies Trust plc, ("the Company") is due to return from maternity leave in July. In discussion with the First State Stewart Asia management team and the Board of Scottish Oriental, Wee-Li has expressed a preference to step back from lead portfolio manager responsibility for the Company.

Vinay Agarwal has been managing the Company's portfolio during Wee-Li's maternity leave and will assume the role of lead portfolio manager on a permanent basis with immediate effect. On return from maternity leave, Wee-Li will assume the role of co portfolio manager for the Company. Scott McNab will remain deputy manager. Martin Lau will no longer have a formal role with the Company but will continue to provide company analysis and oversight in his role as joint managing partner of the First State Stewart Asia team.

The Board hopes that that the continuity provided by this arrangement will serve to reassure investors about the long term prospects of the Company.

Steven Davidson

Company Secretary

Enquiries: 0131 538 6603