SNP GOVERNMENT CASH INJECTION INTO SOUTH OF SCOTLAND PROJECTS

Dumfries and Galloway is set to benefit from new green infrastructure projects including £3.6 million to South of Scotland Enterprise to deliver the Green Jobs Fund and investment in the Borderland’s growth deal. The investment will support infrastructure projects across healthcare, education and transport around Scotland.

Joan McAlpine (South Scotland) (SNP):
Cabinet secretary, how will Dumfries and Galloway benefit from the Scottish Government’s infrastructure investment plan?

Michael Matheson:
Dumfries and Galloway will benefit in a number of ways, including through the Borderlands inclusive growth deal, which will see the Scottish Government investing some £85 million. I hope to be able to sign off the finalised deal with the Borderlands councils very soon. Alongside that, as part of the £26 billion of investment that has already been agreed for major projects within the investment plan, both phase 1 and phase 2 of the £2 billion learning estate investment programme include works at Dumfries high school. I have no doubt that that will benefit pupils and the community as a whole.
The member can be assured that we will continue to look at other possible investment opportunities in Dumfries and Galloway. For example, we are considering a proposal that would involve the redevelopment of the Stranraer marina and we are also looking at possible investments such as a business park facility at Chapelcross. Those are all investments that I have no doubt will benefit the whole of the Dumfries and Galloway community.