Deputy FM Appointed as Scotland’s ‘Investment Champion’ to Drive Economic Growth – Scottish Business News

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has taken on a new cross-government leadership role as Scotland’s “investment champion,” aiming to boost private investment and position the country as a global leader in green finance and innovation. The announcement comes as part of the Scottish Government’s strategy to deliver a national pipeline of strategic investment opportunities and strengthen relationships with investors and developers.Forbes outlined her vision for the role, emphasizing that increasing private investment is crucial for driving economic growth, creating jobs, achieving net zero targets, and improving public services. She stated: “This is an amazing opportunity to build confidence in Scotland as a destination for sustainable investment and ensure we remain competitive in the global market.”

Key Initiatives to Support Investment

The Scottish Government has unveiled several practical measures to support Forbes’ new role, including:

• A New Investment Unit: This unit will identify and address barriers to investment, ensuring smoother processes for businesses and investors.
• Centralised Portals: A single portal for handling investment inquiries and another showcasing available opportunities will streamline communication with potential investors.
• Cabinet Sub-Committee: A newly formed sub-committee will coordinate efforts across government departments to align investment strategies.

These initiatives aim to provide a more cohesive approach to attracting capital while supporting Scotland’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

Public-Private Collaboration

Forbes highlighted the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors, including exploring innovative financing mechanisms such as public-private partnerships, public sector guarantees, and even a potential Scottish Bond. These tools are expected to unlock significant funding for infrastructure projects and renewable energy initiatives.She added: “Scotland is uniquely positioned to lead the green energy transition, and by working closely with financial institutions, we can attract the investment needed to deliver our ambitious climate goals while fostering long-term economic resilience.”

Driving Green Finance Leadership

Forbes’ appointment aligns with Scotland’s broader ambition to become a global hub for green finance. With its expertise in renewable energy—particularly offshore wind—and its commitment to net zero targets, Scotland is well-positioned to attract investors looking for sustainable opportunities.The Deputy First Minister’s leadership will focus on showcasing Scotland’s strengths in innovation and sustainability while addressing challenges such as high inflation and geopolitical uncertainty that have impacted global investment flows.As Scotland navigates an increasingly competitive global market, Forbes’ role as an “investment champion” is expected to play a pivotal part in securing the funding needed to drive transformative projects across the country.