Focus on infrastructure investment

A new electronic map showing some examples of the investment in infrastructure projects since 2007 has been launched by Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson.

It comes after the Programme for Government set out the most ambitious long-term level of infrastructure spend ever in Scotland, with a commitment to invest an additional £7 billion - over and above existing plans - on schools, hospitals, transport, digital connectivity and clean energy by 2026.

To highlight the Scottish Government's infrastructure commitments, Michael Matheson visited Forth Valley College's new Falkirk campus. The college has received £65 million Scottish Government investment to help with construction and is one of a number of projects listed on the Infrastructure Projects 2007-2018 map.

Mr Matheson said:

"Our infrastructure will continue to see substantial investment, and it is our mission to steadily increase annual infrastructure investment so it is £1.5 billion per year higher at the end of the next Parliament than in 2019-20.

"Good infrastructure is essential to our economy and wellbeing and for the delivery of efficient, high-performing public services. We want to do more to recognise the value of our infrastructure investment and the new map shows examples of the support the Scottish Government has provided the length and breadth of the country.

"We will continue to make the investment in our infrastructure that is required to support economic growth, boost international competitiveness and prepare for the uncertainty of Brexit."

Following the visit, Principal of Forth Valley College, Dr Ken Thomson, said: "It was great to welcome the Cabinet Secretary to the site of our new Falkirk Campus and show him how well the project is progressing. As the Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity and our local MSP, it was a real opportunity to showcase how the college continues to be a key partner for future economic development, workforce skills and training and a fabulous community resource - indeed, a dynamic community college. You could see how pleased he was with the progress and the opportunities the new state-of-the-art campus will have in the heart of the community."

Martin Fairbairn, Chief Operating Officer at the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) said: "It was great to tour the site with the Cabinet Secretary and see that good progress is being made. With the campus' next-gen facilities and Forth Valley College's regional approach to delivering local employment opportunities, this investment promises to be a major asset not only for the College, but also the social, cultural and economic development of the wider Falkirk and Forth Valley community.

"We look forward to continuing our work with Scottish Government, and all our partners in the higher and further education sector, to facilitate more development opportunities like this as part of the Programme for Government's long term infrastructure investment goals."