The Scottish Government has released a draft 10-year Infrastructure Strategy and delivery pipeline for 2027–2037, outlining how public and private capital will be targeted and how schemes will be funded.

According to the draft strategy, Scotland’s infrastructure “must enable sustainable economic growth, reduce emissions, and withstand the growing impacts of climate change—from flooding to extreme weather—through resilient design and adaptation”.

Headline commitments include a £11.1bn infrastructure pipeline over the next four years. Key programmes comprise £4.1bn for housing supported by £800m of private finance; significant investment across the NHS estate, including £500m for new community health centres; £1.2bn for rail and ferries; £700m for prisons; and £300m for nature and flood-related infrastructure. Nearly £200m has also been allocated to continue A9 dualling between Inverness and Perth.

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The Government intends to expand the use of private finance alongside public funding, with options such as Government guarantees, equity stakes, and co-investment with pension funds, including local government schemes. These models are aimed at de-risking projects, reducing borrowing costs, and improving deliverability. More projects may proceed through public–private partnership approaches, including the Mutual Investment Model, already confirmed for new health centres. Public bodies are also expected to review and rationalise their estates where assets cannot be fully maintained within current budgets.

The consultation on the draft strategy is now open via an online questionnaire. In addition, NFRC will submit a response on behalf of its Membership and invites contributions before 3 May.