The Scottish Government is to boost a number of development projects via a £100 million capital investment package.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced a total of 16 schemes will benefit from the stimulus initiative.

The development projects are being brought forward due to the UK's decision to leave the European Union.

Features include a £20m investment for energy saving measures in homes and public buildings, as well as £33m to upgrade/maintain Scotland's further and higher education estate.

In addition, £10m will be allocated towards local economic development projects across the country. Each project has been assessed to see how quickly they can begin, how many jobs it will support/create and their likely impact on the supply chain as well as geographic spread.

-- Advertisement --

With £290m of European Structural Funds projects also approved, a total of £650m (alongside partner funding) is to be invested in communities and businesses.

Economy Secretary Keith Brown said: "This Government acted quickly following the EU referendum to bring forward a substantial stimulus package to boost business confidence and keep our economy moving.

"Last month, the First Minister announced that a £100 million will be injected into our capital spending plans, providing a significant boost to the £6 billion worth of projects already under construction.

"This spending will deliver a stimulus for our economy, helping to retain skills and activity in key sectors as well as creating public assets that will have long-lasting economic, social and environmental benefits.

"These steps form part of our efforts to support the economy in the wake of the EU referendum result and to equip Scotland's economy for the challenges ahead."

(LM/CD)