UK Government Announces £66m Scottish Transport Investment

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves has announced a £66 million investment in Scottish transport projects aimed at improving connectivity and supporting economic growth in the West of Scotland. The funding includes £38.7 million for Renfrewshire Council to enhance links between Paisley town centre, Glasgow Airport, and the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS), with new walking, cycling, bus, and car routes. North Ayrshire Council will receive £23.7 million to upgrade the B714 road, creating faster travel between Ardrossan, Saltcoats, Stevenston, and Glasgow while reducing traffic in Kilwinning. An additional £3.45 million is allocated to the Scottish Government for potential upgrades to the A75 in Dumfries and Galloway, a key route connecting the Cairnryan port, vital for linking Northern Ireland with the rest of the UK. This investment is part of the UK Government’s broader Plan for Change, focusing on renewing infrastructure after a decade of decline and supporting workers accessing jobs in high-growth sectors. Scottish Secretary Ian Murray emphasized that these improvements will positively impact local communities and economies across the region.