Following successful engagement by ACE earlier in the year, we were asked by the Head of Infrastructure Strategy at the Scottish Government, Katherine White to collate industry responses to the recent publication of their Draft Infrastructure Investment Plan. Setting out a long-term vision for Scottish infrastructure, the plan outlines how future investment decisions will be made, and shares a five year programme of further improvements in the Government’s approach.

The consultation addresses four important themes: the inclusion of natural infrastructure, a common investment hierarchy approach, assessing the impacts of proposed infrastructure and assessing the carbon impact of future plans.

Following an expert roundtable with members, ACE Scotland suggested recommendations around natural infrastructure, prioritising re-use over new build investments, including connectivity as a key indicator, and using the five capitals model to measure successful outcomes, including whole-life carbon analysis and assessments for meeting national net zero targets.

Collating the response was one of the first jobs for Stephen Munro of Allen Gordon in his new role as ACE Scotland chair. He said: “We’re delighted to have been asked by the Scottish Government to present the views of industry and input into this consultation. The experiences and knowledge shared by our members means we have made a significant contribution to the development of a successful plan. We will continue to make the case for infrastructure’s contribution to Scotland’s economic, social and environmental wellbeing, as well as championing its role as a catalyst for recovery.”

On Mr Munro’s appointment, Darrell Matthews, director of membership and business engagement at ACE said: “We’re delighted to welcome Stephen to this new role. He brings a wealth of experience and with the backing of one of the country’s more prominent companies in our sector, will bring a lot to the table on behalf of the entire membership.”

ACE Scotland has developed a key relationship with the Scottish infrastructure office and look forward to developing this further in the coming months. Meanwhile, members with any questions on the detail of the submission are encouraged to contact Gareth Lonie, lead policy manager at ACE.

Download our consultation response below.

Members interested in joining ACE Scotland can contact Karis Thain. Find out more about the opportunities offered by your local ACE group. Search for ACE members in Scotland.