Infrastructure and connectivity
Providing a safe, efficient, effective and sustainable transport system, for both passengers and freight, sits at the heart of Scotland’s international strategy - one that better serves global markets, strengthens our trade links and develops sustainable economic growth.
Scotland's investment in infrastructure projects
Scotland has benefited from over £20 billion investment across trunk roads, rail, buses, ferries and air services as well as active travel - connecting tourism, business and communities better than ever before. This included delivery of the:
- Iconic £1.35 billion Queensferry Crossing
- £1 billion Dundee Waterfront Development
- £350 million Borders Railway
Scotland - connecting you to customers
We recognise the vital importance of a strong international air route network that connects businesses in Scotland to their customers worldwide. Scotland currently has direct international air routes to 37 countries.
Scotland has enjoyed significant growth in international air routes over the past 10 years. Scheduled services to international destinations have more than trebled since 2001.
Scotland's five main airports have international flights that connect millions of passengers to around 150 destinations worldwide, and these routes are growing year by year.
Around £2.7 billion is being invested in major road infrastructure, increasing access across the whole of Scotland and the UK. It takes just 45 minutes to get from Glasgow to Edinburgh by train, and more improvements will see the addition of 200 trains and 200,000 seats across the whole of the Scottish network.
Need to get to the UK capital? Direct rail journeys to London can take as little as 4.5 hours with speedy connections to other UK cities available too. And there's an average of 100 flights to London each day.
Scotland’s transport network supports over £80 billion of trade. Most of that trade is transported by road and sea. Our road freight exports largely to destinations in England, while our seaports carry most of the volume of our international exports.
Scotland's seaports handle international cargo, warehousing and distribution, passenger ferries, and offshore oil and gas services. There are seven major fully operational, deep-water ports in Scotland and frequent ferry services connect with Europe, Ireland and Scotland's island communities.
Beyond our transport links, Scotland's digital connectivity infrastructure is growing in strength.
Scotland has been ranked Europe's most connected region for investment in the prestigious fDi European Cities and Regions of the Future Awards 2020/21.
Scotland is a nation that stimulates innovation, welcomes investment and promotes its digital technologies industries. We want to be an internationally acknowledged test bed for innovation in connectivity.
It's estimated that by enhancing 5G capability, Scotland has the potential to add £17 billion to its GDP by 2035 and create 160,000 new jobs
Working with other digital technologies, 5G can also help us respond to the climate emergency – whether it’s creating smart energy grids, reducing waste of resources or improving efficiency of equipment.
The Scotland 5G Centre, a partnership between industry, academia and government, will ensure Scotland moves forward quickly on 5G adoption and innovation.
The Centre will be Scotland’s national platform for collaboration, innovation and knowledge sharing across all aspects of 5G from research to delivery and exploitation.
Read more about Scotland's 5G strategy on the Scottish Government website.
5G coverage is currently available in Edinburgh and Glasgow, and soon in Aberdeen, as well as smaller towns including Hamilton and Paisley.
Furthermore, all seven major cities in Scotland are working to become Smart Cities. This will improve urban congestion, maximise energy efficiency, enhance public safety, help improve air quality and traffic flow, cut pollution and boost wellbeing.
Read more about Scotland's Smart Cities on the Scottish Cities Alliance website.
Support for cleaner cities
The Scottish Government is backing further investment in strategic infrastructure projects that will continue to support Scotland’s economy over the next 20 years.
For example, the introduction of Low Emission Zones in four cities – Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee – will encourage investment in cleaner transports technologies and Smart Cities.
Investment opportunities
Scotland is open for business and ready to share opportunities with you to invest in large scale infrastructure and real estate projects.
We can connect you to the right people and assist and support you throughout the investment process. We give you access to our innovation and investment hubs and global support network.
Scotland is leading the transition to a climate-neutral economy
Scotland remains the best-placed country in Europe to realise Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) on a commercial scale:
- £20 million Energy Investment Fund
- £60 million Low Carbon Innovation Fund
- An Energy Efficient Scotland Route Map, that will lead to over £10 billion of activity to retrofit existing homes and buildings throughout all parts of Scotland
- 50% of Scotland’s energy needs met by renewables by 2030
- £25 million to support innovation in wave and tidal technologies
Clean transport solutions
Scotland is at the forefront of markets in ultra-low emission vehicles
- Investing £15 million to expand Scotland’s electric vehicle (EV) charging network
- Investing in platforms to support testing and demonstration facilities
- Upscaling opportunities across emerging hydrogen transport markets
- Supporting research and development of connected and autonomous vehicles (CAV) or driverless cars
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Locations for your business
Scotland’s cities and regions are booming. Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen cities are all among the top ten cities in the UK for attracting international investment.
Access to markets
Invest in Scotland for easy access to some of the world's fastest-growing markets.
Partners and networks
We can connect you to the right people, in the right place and at the right time - helping you make the right connections for your business to flourish in Scotland.
Connect with us
Got a question about trade with or investment in Scotland? We’re always ready to help.