Scotland has published its inaugural long-term Infrastructure Needs Assessment, setting out a 30-year, evidence-based framework to guide how the nation plans, invests in and delivers infrastructure in the decades ahead.

Produced by the Scottish Futures Trust (SFT), the Scottish Government's infrastructure body, the assessment takes a generational perspective, recognising that choices made now will shape Scotland's economic, social and environmental outcomes far into the future. It offers strategic insights to inform policy and investment across economic, social and natural infrastructure systems.

The document identifies the major national and global forces that will drive future needs, including climate change, demographic trends, public service reform, economic priorities and global security. It explains how these drivers interact across systems and argues for a more integrated, long-term approach to planning and investment.

It also considers the opportunities and challenges within key infrastructure sectors, supported by cross-cutting system themes aimed at strengthening collaboration and improving decision-making. These themes are intended to help align investment with Scotland's ambitions for a resilient, inclusive and net zero economy.

-- Advertisement --

The Needs Assessment aligns with Scotland's revised infrastructure investment framework and is informing the consultation on the Scottish Government's recently published draft 10-year Infrastructure Strategy (2027–2037).

At its core, the assessment highlights priorities such as strategic leadership, innovation, collaboration, skills, integrated services and behaviour change. Achieving progress will require Ministers, the Scottish Government, public and private partners, and SFT to work together so that infrastructure choices deliver long-term, sustainable benefits for Scotland.

Joe Philipsz, Chair of the Scottish Futures Trust, said: "The infrastructure decisions we take today shape Scotland for many generations to come. This first of its kind infrastructure needs assessment provides a strategic framework to guide investment decision-making and better balance long-term infrastructure needs with the shorter-term demands of the political cycle.

"As an independent centre of expertise, we want to use it as a platform for further engagement across infrastructure sectors to help us build sustainable infrastructure that supports a thriving Scotland, now and for the future."

Peter Reekie, Chief Executive of the Scottish Futures Trust, added: "The 30-year Needs Assessment is about strengthening the foundations for long-term decision making. It is designed to evolve over time, with future iterations building on improved data, knowledge and engagement.

"By setting out a consistent set of long-term drivers and shared themes we can support better alignment across sectors and clearer trade-offs, helping Scotland make better use of its existing assets while planning for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead."