More than 200 projects with the potential to unlock £31.8 billion
of investment across the South of Scotland have been identified
in new research.
Deputy First Minister will today (Monday 5
October) chair a meeting of the Convention of the South of
Scotland in Dumfries, where leaders will discuss the findings
alongside the Scottish Government's Programme for Government and
the role of Regional Economic Partnerships in driving sustainable
regional growth.
Commissioned by South of Scotland Enterprise, on behalf of South
of Scotland Regional Economic Partnership, the research
highlights 202 transformational projects spanning clean energy,
natural capital, advanced manufacturing, technology, life
sciences, tourism and the creative industries.
If realised, the opportunities could support 73,000 construction
job-years and almost 8,000 long-term jobs.
The Convention brings together the Scottish Government, Dumfries
and Galloway Council, Scottish Borders Council and public sector
partners to strengthen collaboration, align national and regional
priorities, and support inclusive economic growth across the
South of Scotland.
Ahead of the meeting, Deputy First Minister 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.
"Today's Convention brings together leaders from across the
region to discuss how we can turn this potential into reality,
empower regional partnerships and ensure communities and
businesses are well placed to benefit from future growth."
Russel Griggs, Chair of South of Scotland Enterprise, added:
This report highlights the scale of opportunity we have in the
South of Scotland, and it can only get bigger and better.
"Given the right investment, and the housing, transport and
skills to support it, it will help the South of Scotland's
economy grow further and make a powerful contribution to
Scotland's national economy and growth ambitions.
Background
The South of Scotland Regional Transformation Opportunities
report is due to be published by the South of Scotland Regional
Economic Partnership next week (week commencing 12 October).
The Convention of the South of Scotland (CoSS) was established
following the 2019 Programme for Government to improve alignment
between the Scottish Government, Dumfries and Galloway Council,
Scottish Borders Council and public sector partners operating
across the region.
CoSS is chaired by the serving Deputy First Minister and provides
a mechanism for bringing together cross-government interests,
supporting delivery of national and regional priorities, and
addressing current and future challenges facing the South of
Scotland.
The Convention supports effective partnership working across the
public sector and plays a key role in promoting inclusive
economic growth throughout the region. CoSS meets twice a year,
typically in spring and autumn, and meetings are held in public.
