The UK Government has announced nearly £1.4 billion in funding for local growth projects across Scotland over the next decade. Scottish Secretary Ian Murray confirmed the investment, which will support projects across all 32 local authorities.
Among the key allocations, £160 million each will be directed to investment zones in Glasgow and the North East, while £26 million each will go to the Cromarty and Forth freeports. Additionally, £26 million has been earmarked for the Fair Isle Ferry in Shetland.
Renfrewshire’s Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (Amids) South transport project will receive nearly £39 million, and £15 million will be invested in the regeneration of Drumchapel town centre in Glasgow. Elgin’s city masterplan will benefit from an £18 million boost.
A further £20 million each will be distributed to ten areas as part of the UK Government’s long-term plan for towns programme. These areas include North Ayrshire, Inverclyde, East Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire, Moray, Dumfries and Galloway, Angus, Aberdeenshire, and Orkney.
This funding is in addition to the £1.5 billion already allocated to Holyrood this year and another £3.4 billion planned for next year.
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray highlighted the importance of this investment for Scotland’s future growth: “The Chancellor delivered a Budget that will herald an era of growth for Scotland, rebuild our public services, and begin a decade of national renewal.”
Murray also emphasized the UK Government’s commitment to working closely with local authorities: “I look forward to working with Scotland’s local authorities in the coming weeks and months on a renewed approach for delivering the UK Government’s missions in all parts of Scotland.”
This significant funding package aims to strengthen local economies, create jobs, and support infrastructure development across Scotland.