A £31.8 billion pipeline of potential investment in the south of Scotland could support an estimated 73,900 construction full time equivalent (FTE) job years, a new report has stated.
The South of Scotland Regional Transformational Opportunities report identifies 202 potential investment projects across Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders, with a combined value of £31.8 billion.
The opportunities could support an estimated 73,900 construction FTE job years and a further 7,900 operational FTE jobs., One FTE job year represents the equivalent of one full-time job supported for one year.
The report sets out the scale of the opportunities, their potential investment, employment and GVA impact, and the infrastructure, workforce and policy conditions needed to realise them. It covers major investments of regional or national significance, alongside clusters of smaller projects that could together deliver substantial economic change.
The findings, which will be published in full next week, will help shape future policy and planning on key priorities for the south of Scotland, including population attraction and retention, skills, housing and transport.
Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth said, “The South of Scotland is full of ambition, innovation and opportunity. This research shows the significant contribution the region can make to Scotland’s economic future, with projects that have the potential to attract investment, create jobs and deliver long-term growth.
“We are committed to working closely with regional and local partners to make the most of the South of Scotland’s unique strengths and opportunities.”
Councillor Stephen Thompson, leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, added, “This report highlights the scale of the opportunity before us and reinforces the South of Scotland’s potential to play a leading role in Scotland’s future economy.
“Through our commitment to community wealth building, we want to ensure that investment helps create fair work, supports local businesses, develops local supply chains and retains more wealth within our communities.
“We will work collaboratively with our partners, but for my region of Dumfries and Galloway in particular, the prospect of attracting significant investment across clean energy, advanced manufacturing, technology and innovation offers the chance to create high-quality jobs, support our communities and strengthen our economy for generations.”
