Scottish Cities Alliance

Cllr John Alexander, The Herald. 13.09.24

Reflecting on my time as head of the Scottish Cities Alliance (SCA), I find myself looking back on the accomplishments we’ve achieved together. The future is bright for Scotland’s cities, but it requires strategic effort and a continually unified vision to fully realise the opportunities before us.

This potential is underpinned by a rich talent pool, highly developed workforce, abundant natural resources and a longstanding capacity for innovation. Our strength lies not just in what we have, but how we present it to the world. Scotland is a powerful brand that we must leverage for the shared benefit of the nation.

On this front, the SCA has been instrumental in elevating Scotland’s profile among global investors. One of our unique strengths has been the ability to bring together diverse stakeholders, from local authorities and political leaders to institutional powerhouses and individual communities. This cohesion, coupled with proactive engagement, has made us a one-stop-shop for investors interested in our cities, voicing the ambitions of Scotland’s 32 local authorities on an international stage.

During my tenure, unity and clarity have marked our success. We navigated economic challenges, not least the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, all while maintaining a focus key initiatives such as the transition to net-zero, large-scale urban development projects and the growth of the hydrogen sector.

Through targeted investments and strategic partnerships, we have created thousands of jobs across Scotland’s cities, boosting local economies and making our cities more attractive places to live and work. The latest EY UK Attractiveness Survey shows our efforts placed Scotland second among UK locations attracting new Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects last year.

Success can’t just be quantified by economic standards. Growth fosters social cohesion and a collective sense of purpose within our communities, where everyone feels they have a stake in the future, enhancing the overall appeal of our cities. We mustn’t rest on our laurels, but instead add to our talent network by nurturing educational and training opportunities. This extends beyond universities and schools, to mid-career development and diversification, allowing Scots to be the best they can be.

The Scottish Government remains a key partner in this journey of growth, and their support will be crucial in driving our ambitions forward. We must continue to work together to facilitate a welcoming policy environment, encourage connectivity, and ensure that our local authorities unite towards our ambitious, common goals.

As I hand over the reins, I am filled with hope for the future of Scotland’s cities. I know the SCA will keep doing a fine job of telling Scotland’s story, attracting investment, and driving positive change for our country.

As the drivers of the economy, our cities need to be empowered to rise to challenges and deliver on the nation’s ambitions. Only by local and national government working in tandem, with further devolution and empowerment can we achieve these goals. The road ahead is full of opportunities, and with continued collaboration and a shared vision, Scotland is poised for a successful future.