Infrastructure Investment Plan 2015: progress report 2018-2019

Foreword

Infrastructure investment plays a key role in achieving our ambition to create an inclusive, sustainable economy and our commitment to this is reflected in our Economic Strategy, Programme for Government and our Infrastructure Investment Plan.

This annual progress report outlines our key achievements over the course of 2018-19 including the full opening of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route/Balmedie to Tipperty project, the opening of NHS Scotland's Pharmaceutical Specials Service facility and the completion of 19 new schools. In total over the course of 2018-19, infrastructure projects worth more than £1.4 billion completed construction and opened to the public within our project pipeline.

Looking ahead, our project pipeline publication also shows that infrastructure projects totalling almost £3.1 billion are estimated to be in construction across Scotland during 2019-20.

Our Programme for Government commitment to have a National Infrastructure Mission will increase annual investment by 1% of 2017 Scottish GDP by the end of the next Parliament. This will provide economic stimulus and boost our international competitiveness. It will bring a level of investment in our vital economic and social infrastructure that will protect and create jobs in the short term, and support growth and productivity in the long term.

I am pleased to report that we have established a new Infrastructure Commission for Scotland to provide long-term strategic advice on our national infrastructure priorities. The Commission will advise on our National Infrastructure Mission by identifying key strategic investments in Scotland to be made to boost economic growth and support public service.

Since being elected in 2007, we have delivered major infrastructure improvements for the people of Scotland and significant progress continues to be made as demonstrated by this report, and by our accompanying published pipeline of project and programme activity.

Moving forward, our £5 billion commitment to infrastructure investment in 2019-20 will support 50,000 affordable homes, delivery of the extension of early learning and childcare, new roads and railways, electric vehicles and delivery of 100% superfast broadband across Scotland.

We look forward to continuing to work with the private sector, local government, and all our stakeholders to ensure that collectively we maximise the benefits of infrastructure investment to the people of Scotland.

Michael Matheson MSP
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity