Scots cities urged to work together for investment

Dundee's Tay Bridge. Picture Ian Rutherford

Nicola Sturgeon said work being done through the Scottish Cities Alliance meant cities were “developing opportunities” which could help improve their infrastructure, support and create jobs and boost businesses.

She spoke out ahead of a meeting of the Scottish Cities Alliance, which involves the country’s seven cities together with the Scottish Government and the Scottish Council for Development and Industry.

The Alliance, which includes representatives from Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Perth and Stirling, aims to develop the country’s potential as a competitive place in which to live, work, visit, invest and do business.

Ms Sturgeon said: “By working in partnership as part of the Scottish Cities Alliance, cities are now developing opportunities which are likely to lead to an investment of around £6 billion into infrastructure, creating and securing jobs, and supporting businesses.

“I look forward to exploring how the Scottish Government can best support our cities and their regions, and deliver these opportunities for growth.”

She added that work had already started on improvements to the M8, M73 and M74 motorway network, and said the preferred bidder for Aberdeen’s Western Peripheral Route was expected to be announced in the summer, describing 2014 as “a big year for infrastructure and connecting our cities”

The Deputy First Minister continued: “There are a number of exciting investments in Scotland, from the Forth Replacement Crossing to the A96 improvements between Inverness and Aberdeen, to modernising the Glasgow subway, but a more joined up approach will make the prospects even greater.

“Over the last two years the Alliance has built collaborative partnerships at a level not previously seen, which benefit our cities, their regions and Scotland as a whole.”