A blueprint for Scottish Infrastructure

The Infrastructure Commission for Scotland (ICS) has presented the Scottish Government with a 30-year infrastructure strategy for the country.

The report – A blueprint for Scotland – provides a new concept of infrastructure for Scotland, with an emphasis on delivering an inclusive, net zero carbon economy. The strategy report is the first publication of its kind in Scotland, and comes following a period of extensive engagement with key stakeholders and organisations from across Scotland and beyond.

The Blueprint sets out eight overarching themes and 23 specific recommendations for Scottish Government to consider. The themes are:

1. Future infrastructure decisions to be based on delivery of an inclusive net zero carbon economy
2. Increased emphasis on “place-based” infrastructure
3. Maximise, broaden the use of and better maintain existing assets
4. Accelerate the decarbonisation of heat and transport
5. Develop appropriately devolved regulatory and pricing frameworks
6. Escalate and expand access to digital and technology services
7. Improve and extend public engagement to shape decision making
8. Explore options for long-term and independent infrastructure advice

The global focus on climate change, together with Scottish Government’s own ambitious Net Zero Carbon target by 2045, have profoundly influenced the work of the ICS in the development of this 30-year strategy.

Ian Russell, chair of the ICS, said: “While infrastructure investment remains a vital factor in supporting the economy and acting as an enabler to deliver effective public services, future infrastructure decisions should be based on their ability to clearly demonstrate their contribution to an inclusive, net zero carbon economy.

“We do not underestimate the nature and scale of the challenges facing future infrastructure decisions and recognise difficult decisions will need to be made. This will require bold and determined leadership from the Scottish Government.

“However, this is not just a challenge for the public sector. Critically it is a call to everyone who plans, builds, invests in, owns, operates, regulates and, as importantly, uses Scotland’s infrastructure.

“If we can all embrace and build on the recommendations set out in this Report, we can go a long way to turning an infrastructure vision for an inclusive, net zero carbon economy into a reality.”

Cabinet Secretary for infrastructure Michael Matheson said: “I’d like to thank the Commission for submitting its report, following a twelve month process.

“This advice will help shape how we plan to invest in Scotland’s infrastructure, recognising the long-term objectives of this Government to deliver an inclusive and net zero emissions economy.

“The value of investing in infrastructure goes beyond the physical homes, schools and hospitals we see in everyday life. If done well, it has the capacity to unlock economic potential, support jobs, and enable our businesses and communities to strengthen and grow.

“We will now take the time necessary to carefully consider the report before updating Parliament on how we plan to incorporate the recommendations into Scottish Government policy and the next Infrastructure Investment Plan.”

Established less than a year ago to develop Scotland’s infrastructure strategy for the next 30 years, the ICS recognised net zero carbon and an inclusive growth economy as two overarching policies that were priorities on both a national and global scale.

The publication highlights the important role planners should play in moving towards a zero carbon Scotland and has been welcomed by Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Scotland.

RTPI Scotland Convenor Irene Beautyman said: “We very much welcome the commission’s call on Scottish Government to introduce a co-ordinated and appropriately resourced ‘infrastructure first’ approach to the planning system. An important first step on this will be to ensure that the National Planning Framework is accompanied by a costed capital investment programme to ensure we have a deliverable road map to a zero carbon economy.”

RTPI Scotland also welcomed the proposal to establish a body to provide independent, long-term, evidence-based advice to Scottish Ministers on investment decisions.

Irene continued: “We have been highlighting for some time that decisions on infrastructure investment need to think beyond the here and now given the long-lasting impact that they can have. We therefore support the establishment of this new body, along with the proposal to reprioritise the assessment criteria for funding infrastructure to ensure that zero carbon is at its heart.”

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