Approval of a new Local Growth Fund Investment Plan will deliver £11.8 million to Ayrshire between 2026 and 2029, targeting higher household incomes and stronger local economies through infrastructure, business support and skills.

The funding reflects the collective ambition of the Ayrshire Regional Economic Partnership, which brings together North Ayrshire Council, East Ayrshire Council, South Ayrshire Council, Ayrshire College, Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and wider regional partners to pursue sustainable, inclusive, long-term growth.

Endorsing the plan builds on the recent adoption of Ayrshire's Regional Economic Strategy Delivery Plan 2026–2029 and reinforces a coordinated approach to economic development. Through the partnership, organisations have agreed shared priorities, aligned their investment programmes and established joint delivery arrangements so resources, expertise and funding can be focused where they will have the greatest regional impact.

The £11.8 million allocation is designed to raise real disposable household income and foster growth across three priority themes:

- Local growth and community infrastructure

- Business innovation and growth support

- Skills development and employment training

Working at a regional scale positions partners to attract investment, respond to economic challenges and deliver opportunities beyond the reach of any single organisation. The programme will back projects that strengthen communities, widen opportunities for residents and businesses, and support a more productive, competitive regional economy.

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Delivered through the Ayrshire Regional Economic Partnership, the approved plan aims to improve productivity, competitiveness and real disposable household income while laying the groundwork for inclusive and sustainable growth. In year one, actions include building regional delivery capacity, creating a shared Regional Economic Partnership website, rolling out a programme of business support and innovation activity, advancing skills and employability through regional recruitment incentives and capital investment, and developing a pipeline of future funding opportunities. £4.4 million has been set aside to achieve these first-year goals.

Councillor Tony Gurney, Chair of the Ayrshire Regional Economic Partnership, said: "This funding approval is an important milestone for Ayrshire and reflects the strength of the partnership that has been developed across the region. The £11.8 million package will support a regional programme of investment that will benefit communities, businesses and residents across Ayrshire.

"By aligning this investment with our Regional Economic Strategy, we can tackle barriers to inclusive growth, support innovation and enterprise, develop skills and create opportunities that deliver meaningful long-term benefits across the region. This is a clear demonstration of what can be achieved when partners work together around a shared vision and common priorities."

Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said: "Today, the UK Government is releasing more than £4.4 million to Ayrshire partners who know their communities best.

"These funds will be crucial for developing a new Regional Intelligence Hub to drive growth while expanding start-up incentives and local apprenticeship opportunities. The UK Government is committed to empowering local communities by spreading power throughout the country.

"These funds will support local leaders throughout Scotland to create skilled jobs, help start-up businesses and revive our local high streets."

Ayrshire is one of Scotland's most established regional economic partnerships, with public, private, academic and third-sector organisations collaborating to deliver shared priorities and drive long-term regional prosperity.

The programme will be overseen through established regional governance, with partners jointly managing investment, tracking outcomes and ensuring resources are directed to priorities that enhance productivity, competitiveness, skills development and inclusive growth across Ayrshire.