Businesses set out infrastructure investment ambitions

ScottishPower, SSE, Scottish Water and Openreach – responsible for the country’s energy, water and digital infrastructure – will commit to supporting local jobs and skills, strengthening the Scottish supply chain, empowering and engaging communities, and protecting the environment through an unprecedented £46 billion investment programme between 2025-2030.

Creating stronger, better connected and more resilient communities from Stornoway to Stranraer, the record investment will help unlock growth and opportunities right across the country – pumping billions of pounds into the supply chain and supporting tens of thousands of jobs across Scotland.

The businesses’ collective commitment to doing their best for Scotland – set out in a Statement of Ambition – will ensure that every pound spent on essential infrastructure makes a real difference for the country’s people and economy, both now and in the future.

This will include additional long-term positive impacts like community benefit and nature restoration in addition to the vital modernisation of infrastructure needed to help Scotland grow and prosper. 

Charles Langan, ScottishPower’s chief financial officer, said: “Collectively we are delivering one of the largest-ever concentrated direct investment programmes in Scotland’s history – testament to all our ambitions for this country. It means jobs, it means growth, and it means resilient infrastructure and stronger communities. 

“What lies before us is a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity to not just deliver the modern utilities we need but increase Scotland’s highly skilled workforce and supply chains, building a legacy that ensures the country prospers and thrives.

“We’ve got the capital, we’ve got the jobs and we’ve got the ambition, and we want to work with stakeholders the length of the land to make it a reality.”

Rhian Kelly, chief sustainability officer at SSE, said: “SSE is proud to be part of this Statement of Ambition, demonstrating our commitment to investing in Scotland’s future: good jobs, strong local supply chains and modern infrastructure fit for a clean power economy. SSE is committed to delivering that now and into the future through significant long‑term investment which supports communities and growth for decades to come.”

Alex Plant, chief executive of Scottish Water, said: “We believe Scottish Water and the other key infrastructure companies involved should work together to maximise the benefits for Scotland of our collective investments over the coming years in terms of jobs, skills, the environment and the communities we serve. 

“This is the first time that we have come together in this way. The circa £46 billion combined investment across infrastructure sectors is probably the biggest investment programme in Scotland for decades – if we can work together, and with our colleagues in local and central government, we can make the most of this once in a generation opportunity and support a flourishing Scotland.”

Katie Milligan, Openreach deputy CEO, said: “It’s great for Openreach to stand alongside Scotland’s major infrastructure providers in making this long‑term commitment to the country. Digital connectivity is a fundamental part of modern life, and our full fibre upgrades are already helping Scottish homes, businesses and public services to thrive.

“This collective investment is a huge opportunity for Scotland. It means more resilient communities, better access to skills and jobs, and a stronger Scottish supply chain. We’re determined to play our part by continuing to build a network that supports growth in every corner of the country — from our biggest cities to our most rural communities — and leaves a lasting legacy for future generations.”