The Scottish National Investment Bank (the Bank) is set to collaborate with Scotland's Towns Partnership (STP), the body championing the nation's town centres, on strategic initiatives this year. This new working relationship is designed to encourage innovative investment opportunities to fund significant regeneration projects throughout Scotland's towns.

The partnership aims to raise awareness among STP's extensive network of regeneration organisations, Business Improvement Districts, and public and private sector stakeholders about one of the Bank's core missions: to transform communities into places where everyone can thrive. As part of this collaboration, the Bank will share its insights at key STP events, including the forthcoming Scotland's Towns Conference.

Kimberley Guthrie, STP Chief Officer, hailed the partnership as a significant step forward. "Having the Bank support on this work feels like a significant step forward in unlocking new opportunities for investment among the organisations that we bring together in our network," she commented.

Ms Guthrie acknowledged the prevalent challenge in securing funding for ambitious projects. "There is no shortage of ambition and vision for major capital regeneration projects in Scotland's towns and places. The most significant challenge is coming up with funding and investment models which make them possible."

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She emphasised the growing need for innovative financial approaches and cross-sector collaboration. "Organisations of all kinds are needing to become increasingly innovative with finance. No single sector has the answer. Collaboration will be the key to success for most, with the public, private and charitable sectors working in partnership to deliver on their community's ambitions."

"Transforming our towns and town centres is key in ensuring that more people want to use them, visit them, live in them and ultimately invest in them. Our partnership with the Bank will help enable us to convene experts to help make this happen," Ms Guthrie added.

The Bank invests in Scottish businesses, projects, and communities, aiming to deliver environmental, social, and financial returns for the people of Scotland. It typically provides investment support ranging from over £1 million up to £50 million, with all investments required to deliver both commercial returns and mission impact that aligns with at least one of its core missions.

Susan Campbell, Director, Market Creation (Place) at The Bank, reiterated the shared objectives. “Both the Bank and STP share the ambition to create thriving places which meet the needs of communities and businesses. Working together, we want to help raise awareness of the potential of Scotland's towns, through cross-sector partnership working and regeneration."

"We welcome STP's convening role and look forward to working with them and stakeholders to identify opportunities and explore ways to unlock investment," she concluded.

Investment opportunities for towns and places are expected to be a key topic at this year's Scotland's Towns Conference. The event, anticipated to be the largest to date, is scheduled to take place at the University of Strathclyde's Technology and Innovation Centre in Glasgow on Thursday, 27 November 2025.

Further details regarding the conference can be found at www.scotlandstowns.org.