Infrastructure Strategy 2027-2037: consultation

Foreword by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government

Scotland is a nation defined by ambition, resilience, and possibility. Even in the face of global economic uncertainty, this government has continued to invest in the things that matter most—transforming places, strengthening public services, and driving a fair transition to a net zero economy.

However, Scotland’s infrastructure must continue to evolve to meet the challenges and opportunities of the next decade. It must enable sustainable economic growth, reduce emissions, and withstand the growing impacts of climate change—from flooding to extreme weather—through resilient design and adaptation. Long-term trends shape the demand for different types of infrastructure, and the mix of investment will change as our economy and society evolve. As our population ages and shifts geographically, we must adapt to ensure equitable access to services across all regions.

We need a clear understanding of what we have today and what we will need tomorrow. That means looking carefully at our existing assets, how well we maintain them, and how effectively we use them. Delivering best value remains central. We must make smart, strategic choices: renewing and right sizing our asset base, investing in prevention, and leveraging private investment where appropriate.

Infrastructure underpins the health, education, justice, and community services that people rely on every day. In a tight fiscal environment, reforming how these services are delivered is essential. This means aligning infrastructure with modern service models, embracing digital innovation, and consolidating assets where appropriate to ensure efficiency and sustainability. By embedding public sector reform into infrastructure planning we can create a system that is resilient, future-proof, and responsive to our evolving needs.

Our approach is rooted in place. We recognise that the needs of communities vary across Scotland, from our cities to rural and island areas. This strategy embraces a place-based model of investment, ensuring decisions reflect local priorities and circumstances, and that infrastructure supports thriving, sustainable communities everywhere.

We are inviting views on our Infrastructure Strategy to ensure it reflects the ambitions and needs of Scotland’s people. Together, we can shape an infrastructure system that is fit for the future: one that delivers for every part of our country and for generations to come.

That is why I am setting out plans for a new Infrastructure Strategy looking ahead over ten years, providing a framework for future spending reviews and budget decisions.

Please contribute to this consultation so we can work together to shape the infrastructure Scotland needs, now and for the future.