Scotland sets out first 30‑year infrastructure needs assessment

Developed by the Scottish Government’s infrastructure body, the Scottish Futures Trust (SFT), the 30‑year Needs Assessment takes a generational view of what the country will require in the decades ahead. It recognises that decisions made today will shape Scotland’s economic, social and environmental outcomes far into the future, offering strategic insights to inform policymaking and investment across economic, social and natural infrastructure systems.

The Needs Assessment identifies the major national and global forces that will influence Scotland’s infrastructure needs, including climate change, demographic shifts, public service reform, economic priorities and global security. It sets out how these drivers interact across systems and why a more joined‑up, long‑term approach to planning and investment is essential.

It also explores the opportunities and challenges facing Scotland’s key infrastructure sectors, supported by a set of cross‑cutting system themes designed to strengthen collaboration and improve decision‑making. These themes aim to support a more integrated approach to infrastructure decision-making, helping align investment with Scotland’s ambitions for a resilient, inclusive and net zero economy.

The Needs Assessment aligns with Scotland’s revised infrastructure investment framework and is being used as part of the consultation process on Scottish Government’s recently published draft 10‑year Infrastructure Strategy (2026/27 – 2036/37).

At its core, the Needs Assessment highlights a series of essential priorities: strategic leadership, innovation, collaboration, skills, integrated services and behaviour change. Progress in these areas will rely on Ministers, the Scottish Government, public and private partners, and SFT working together to ensure infrastructure decisions deliver long‑term, sustainable benefits for Scotland.

Joe Philipsz, chair of the Scottish Futures Trust, said: “The infrastructure decisions we take today shape Scotland for many generations to come. This first of its kind infrastructure needs assessment provides a strategic framework to guide investment decision-making and better balance long-term infrastructure needs with the shorter-term demands of the political cycle.

“As an independent centre of expertise, we want to use it as a platform for further engagement across infrastructure sectors to help us build sustainable infrastructure that supports a thriving Scotland, now and for the future.”

Peter Reekie, chief executive of the Scottish Futures Trust, added: “The 30-year Needs Assessment is about strengthening the foundations for long-term decision making. It is designed to evolve over time, with future iterations building on improved data, knowledge and engagement.

“By setting out a consistent set of long-term drivers and shared themes we can support better alignment across sectors and clearer trade-offs, helping Scotland make better use of its existing assets while planning for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”