South of Scotland Eyes £32 Billion Investment Boost

A new report identifies significant opportunities in clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and technology to drive regional economic transformation over two decades.

Panoramic view of the South of Scotland landscape with potential for economic growth.
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Panoramic view of the South of Scotland landscape with potential for economic growth.

A potential £31.8 billion investment pipeline could significantly transform the South of Scotland's economy over the next two decades, creating thousands of jobs and positioning the region as a leader in key sectors.

A comprehensive report has identified 202 potential investment projects across Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders, collectively valued at £31.8 billion. This pipeline of opportunities is projected to support an estimated 73,900 construction full-time equivalent (FTE) job years and an additional 7,900 operational FTE jobs over the coming years.
The South of Scotland Regional Transformational Opportunities report highlights key areas for growth, including clean energy, energy transition, artificial intelligence (AI), deep tech, and advanced manufacturing. These sectors have the potential to establish the South of Scotland as a major low-carbon, innovation-led economy.
Commissioned by the South of Scotland Regional Economic Partnership and undertaken with Skills Development Scotland, the study details the scale of these economic prospects, their potential investment value, employment impact, and the necessary infrastructure, workforce, and policy conditions required for their realisation. It encompasses major investments of regional or national significance, alongside clusters of smaller projects poised to drive substantial economic change.
Findings from the report were discussed on Monday 5 October at the Scottish Government’s Convention of the South of Scotland meeting in Dumfries. The insights are expected to inform future policy and planning for key regional priorities such as population attraction and retention, skills development, housing, and transport.
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"The South of Scotland is full of ambition, innovation and opportunity. This research shows the significant contribution the region can make to Scotland's economic future, with projects that have the potential to attract investment, create jobs and deliver long-term growth. We are committed to working closely with regional and local partners to make the most of the South of Scotland's unique strengths and opportunities."

Jenny Gilruth · Deputy First Minister
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"This report highlights the scale of the opportunity before us and reinforces the South of Scotland’s potential to play a leading role in Scotland’s future economy. Through our commitment to community wealth building, we want to ensure that investment helps create fair work, supports local businesses, develops local supply chains and retains more wealth within our communities. We will work collaboratively with our partners, but for my region of Dumfries and Galloway in particular, the prospect of attracting significant investment across clean energy, advanced manufacturing, technology and innovation offers the chance to create high-quality jobs, support our communities and strengthen our economy for generations."

Stephen Thompson · Councillor, Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council
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"I welcome this report which demonstrates the vast opportunities for investment in the South of Scotland. By working together with our partners, we will secure the investment needed in our infrastructure, skills and services, so that we can unlock our full potential. Through this collaborative approach we will build sustainable growth, create high-quality jobs and ensure the benefits are felt across the region."

Scott Hamilton · Councillor, Depute Leader, Scottish Borders Council and Executive Member for Economic Growth and Developing the Borders
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"This report highlights the scale of opportunity we have in the South of Scotland, and it can only get bigger and better. Given the right investment, and the housing, transport and skills to support it, it will help the South of Scotland’s economy grow even further and make a powerful contribution to Scotland’s national economy and growth ambitions."

Russel Griggs · Chair of SOSE
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"The report illustrates in detail the potential for growth that exists across the South of Scotland in the coming years but also makes clear the challenges that must be met if that potential is to be realised. Investment in the regional workforce is fundamental for the future prosperity of the South of Scotland, ensuring that people have the right skills to take advantage of the opportunities available in a changing economy. SDS is committed to working with employers and partners to help the region develop the workforce it needs to maximise those potential benefits."

Greig Robson · Regional Skills Planning Lead for the South of Scotland at SDS
Based on information from the official source: South of Scotland Enterprise (05/10/2026)