Government Vision For Scotland's Development

National infrastructure projects, including a high speed rail link to London, have been identified in the Scottish Government's National Planning Framework 2 (NPF), published today.

Infrastructure Minister Stewart Stevenson said the document outlined a vision for Scotland's development to 2030. It includes a list of 14 national developments with the potential to support economic recovery and increase sustainable economic growth well into the future.

The NPF has been agreed following extensive periods of public consultation and parliamentary scrutiny. The final national developments, which now includes a high speed rail link from central Scotland to London and the Central Scotland Green Network, are:

• Replacement Forth Crossing
• West of Scotland Strategic Rail Enhancements
• High Speed Rail Link to London
• Strategic Airport Enhancements (for access)
• Grangemouth Freight Hub
• Additional Container Freight Capacity on the Forth
• Port developments on Loch Ryan
• Scapa Flow Container Transhipment Facility
• New Power Station and Transhipment Hub at Hunterston
• New Non-Nuclear baseload Capacity at other existing Power Station Sites
• Electricity Grid Reinforcements
• Central Scotland Green Network
• Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Scheme
• 2014 Commonwealth Games Facilities

Mr Stevenson said:

"The purpose of the NPF is to identify clear priorities for the development of Scotland's national infrastructure, including transport and renewable energy. It is on top of our massive 3.5 billion pounds annual infrastructure investment programme, which is providing a host of modern facilities and many other infrastructure projects fit for 21st century Scotland.

"We have responded positively to the views of parliament and included two additional national developments, the High Speed Rail Link to London and Central Scotland Green Network which have strengthened the role of the NPF2 in supporting economic recovery, reducing carbon emissions and increasing sustainable economic growth well into the future - key priorities of the Scottish Government.

"It contributes to our efforts to create a joined-up planning and development regime which aids efforts to increase sustainable economic growth, building on the commitment in our economic recovery programme to ensure all government activity, including planning, supports economic development.

"The NPF has been subject to a wide-ranging consultation and subsequent period of parliamentary scrutiny. We now have a set of national developments that will create opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish, while helping to position our economy for a stronger recovery."

NOTE:

The NPF can be viewed at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/06/25082228/0