Government marks ‘significant progress’ on major housing and infrastructure projects

The reports highlight that 26,581 affordable homes had been built as part of the £3.3 billion affordable homes programme as of 30 June.

The £160 million electrification of the railway line from Glasgow to Edinburgh via Shotts, the completion of the £57.9m Dalry Bypass, and the opening of a £77.4m hospital in Orkney have also been highlighted.

More than £90m of school projects were completed and opened to pupils within the current £1.8bn Schools for the Future Programme, according to Infrastructure Investment Plan reports which are now available online.

In addition, there has been investment for the expansion of early learning and childcare. As of July, 114 refurbishment projects, 16 extension projects and 14 new build projects had been completed, delivering an additional 2,556 early learning and childcare places for children.

And £130m of Scotland’s city region and growth deal programme has already been invested. Together with the associated investment, this programme has committed over £1.8bn over the next 10-15 years. 

Infrastructure secretary Michael Matheson said: “In spite of increasingly challenging economic conditions, the Scottish Government is forging on with delivering infrastructure projects that are making a real difference to people’s lives – by improving on Scotland’s housing, education, transport and education infrastructure.

“As a result, modern, state of the art facilities are benefiting communities across Scotland and it is important that we continue to drive forward these important projects. By the end of the next parliamentary term, our National Infrastructure Mission commitment will increase our annual infrastructure investment by 1% of current (2017) GDP, helping to protect and create jobs, and boosting economic growth across the country.”