The UK Government has announced a £66 million investment in transport infrastructure across Scotland, aimed at connecting communities to high-growth sectors and supercharging local economies.
The funding will support three major transport schemes in the West of Scotland, working alongside wider investments in investment zones, industrial clusters, and clean energy projects as part of the government’s modern Industrial Strategy and Spending Review.
The investment includes:
- £38.7 million to Renfrewshire Council to link Paisley town centre with the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) and Glasgow Airport. New walking, cycling, bus, and car routes will help local people access high-value manufacturing jobs.
- £23.7 million to North Ayrshire Council to upgrade the B714, creating a faster route between Ardrossan, Saltcoats, and Stevenston to Glasgow, while easing congestion in Kilwinning.
- £3.45 million to the Scottish Government to develop upgrade proposals for the A75 in Dumfries and Galloway, a key route linking Cairnryan port to the rest of the UK.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves commented:
“We’re pledging billions to back Scottish jobs, industry and renewal - that’s why we’re investing in the major transport projects, including exploring upgrades to the A75, that local communities have been calling for.
“Whilst previous governments oversaw over a decade of decline of our transport infrastructure, we’re investing in Britain’s renewal. This £66 million investment is exactly what our Plan for Change is about, investing in what matters to you in the places that you live.”
This funding complements broader UK Government commitments in Scotland, including:
- £200 million for the Acorn Carbon Capture project (subject to business cases)
- £8.3 billion for Great British Energy, positioning Scotland at the heart of the UK’s clean energy revolution
- £250 million to kickstart a multi-decade investment at HM Naval Base Clyde
- Up to £750 million for the Edinburgh Supercomputer, making it the UK’s most powerful and supporting Scottish R&D
Ian Murray, Scotland Secretary, also said:
“This £66 million investment in Scotland’s roads demonstrates the UK Government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and driving economic growth in all parts of the UK as part of our Plan for Change. This investment will make a real difference to people’s daily lives and to the local economies of the South of Scotland, Ayrshire and Renfrewshire.
“New road links will connect Paisley town centre with Glasgow Airport and the new advanced manufacturing innovation district, to boost high value manufacturing in Renfrewshire. The upgrade to the B714 will speed up journeys between Glasgow and the three towns of Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston, as well as cutting traffic in Kilwinning. And the A75 is strategically important just not within but beyond Scotland. Its upgrading is long overdue. I am pleased that the UK Government has stepped up to fund the delivery of the A75 feasibility study in full.
“This investment is yet another example of how the UK Government is building the foundations for a stronger, more prosperous future that benefits communities right across Scotland.”
The Spending Review also delivered a record settlement for Scottish public services, with an average of £50.9 billion per year between 2026–27 and 2028–29—the largest in real terms since devolution.
Image credit: iStock
