More than £4 billion is to be invested in Scotland's infrastructure.

The allocation was unveiled by Finance Secretary Derek Mackay as part of the Scottish Government's 2018-19 Draft Budget, which contains plans to protect the NHS and public services, support low earners and unlock the country's economic potential.

As well as increasing funding for 'affordable' housing 30 £756m to deliver 50,000 new homes by 2021, key infrastructure investment highlights include

Other key highlights include;

• Deliver the first £70 million of a new £150 million Building Scotland Fund to support construction jobs and further accelerate delivery of housing development, industrial premises and research and development

• Provide £600 million to ensure every home and business will have access to superfast broadband by 2021

• Support decommissioning through investment in an ultra-deep water port facility

• Supporting capital investment in the public public sector estate including new hospital facilities in Aberdeen and Orkney, and a £200m investment programme to expand the Golden Jubilee Hospital and develop five new NHS elective care centres across the country.

• Invest £1.2bn in transport infrastructure including key roads projects, such as improvements to the A9, and on rail; the electrification of the Stirling, Dunblane and Alloa line, improvements to the route between Aberdeen and Inverness and on the Highland Main Line between Inverness and Perth.

-- Advertisement --

• Invest £150m to support expansion in early learning and childcare facilities

• Support the new Forth Valley College and school investment programme

• Double investment in sustainable and active travel to £80m

In addition, the Government will make £137m available for Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Programme, to reduce energy costs and tackle fuel poverty as well as investing in renewable energy technologies. A further £35m will be invested in electric charging points as part of plans to phase out the need for new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2032.

Mr Mackay said: "This is a budget for a stronger economy and a fairer society, with increased funding for the NHS and protection for low and middle income earners.

"We are investing in our public services and supporting business to develop and thrive. This budget mitigates against the UK Government’s cuts to our block grant.

"It delivers an additional £400 million to the health service, it invests in expanding childcare, delivering broadband, building 50,000 new homes and supporting our police and fire services."

Nicola Barclay, Chief Executive of industry body Homes for Scotland, welcomed the Government's ambition towards tackling the housing crisis.

"As well as a significant funding increase for affordable housing, the additional funding for skills bodies, colleges and universities that will help to plug the skills gap, is also welcome," she said.

"The Land and Buildings Transaction Tax relief for First Time Buyers up to the first £175,000 of the purchase price could be a valuable boost for those aspiring to get on the property ladder, representing additional money towards their deposit or moving costs. However, given that this is not due to become effective until 2018/19, we are concerned that any delay may have a potential impact on purchasing decisions in the short term.

"Of particular note, however, is the establishment of the new £150m Building Scotland Fund which will have a prominent housing and infrastructure focus to support interventions that will further accelerate and scale up housing delivery. With the funding and delivery of infrastructure a major housing blocker, we keenly await further details in the new year."

(LM/MH)