Michael Matheson

The deal focuses on delivering national and international sustainability through cutting edge environmental projects, innovation in the digital and tourism sectors and boosting skills across the region to create a pathway for future success and resilience.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack joined Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Secretary Michael Matheson at Forth Valley College yesterday to seal the government’s commitment to the funding package.

Mr Jack said: “This is a big step forward for the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal, which will be transformational for the region’s economy, creating jobs and boosting prosperity for the long term.

“The UK Government is investing more than £45 million in projects in Stirling and Clackmannanshire, including in tourism, aquaculture and the environment.

“This is just one of the many City Region and Growth Deals across Scotland, in which the UK Government is investing more than £1.4 billion to create thousands of jobs and opportunities and grow Scotland’s economy.”

Mr Matheson added: “The Scottish Government is contributing £50.1 million to the Stirling and Clackmannanshire region through this City Region Deal and additional projects. Across Scotland we have so far committed more than £1.8 billion over the next 10 to 20 years to City Region and Growth Deals and additional investments.

“This signing is a milestone moment for the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal. It will make a real lasting difference to the future of the region and inject confidence into the economy, improving the quality of life for local people.

“Not only will this deal create new high-value jobs, it will help safeguard the local economy and strengthen communities across Stirling and Clackmannanshire. I am grateful to all the partners for their hard work in getting to this stage, and I recognise the important involvement of the community in developing the deal proposals.”

Councillor Scott Farmer, leader of Stirling Council, said: “This deal represents real change for our people and promises an even brighter future for the youth of the region. It will provide jobs and investment to our core industries and sectors and will also target the challenges our communities face in reaching their potential.

“A prosperous future lies ahead thanks to this deal and I look forward to working with all our partners to deliver the transformational change promised by this landmark investment.”

Cllr Ellen Forson, leader of Clackmannanshire Council, said: “On behalf of Clackmannanshire Council I am delighted to be signing the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal which will provide us with the opportunity to realise our shared ambitions for the region.

“Through this deal we have a unique opportunity, together with the University of Stirling, to create Scotland’s International Environment Centre in Alloa which aims to be a global leader for research and innovation, creating inclusive employment opportunities which will help us in our goal for a more sustainable and prosperous future.

“I’m also pleased that we will be able to move forward in developing plans for the City Region Deal funds for Culture, Heritage & Tourism, Digital and Active Travel which will benefit our communities. We look forward to taking forward locally developed proposals to the Capital Fund for Clackmannanshire as part of the City Region Deal.”