The Scottish Cities Alliance is a unique collaboration between Scotland’s eight cities – Aberdeen, Dundee, Dunfermline, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Perth, and Stirling – and the Scottish Government. Together, we work to unlock and showcase the country’s significant economic potential.
Established in 2011 to advance the Agenda for Cities, the Alliance aims to build a stronger economic future for Scotland by aligning the efforts of its cities and delivering a long-term strategy to attract investment and create economic growth
By working together, the Alliance partners are able to share knowledge, tackle the most pressing challenges facing Scotland’s urban centres, identify solutions that foster economic resilience and urban regeneration, and create projects of scale.
Through strategic collaboration, we have championed the policy and funding priorities required to address key issues such as repopulating city centres; facilitated discussions on how researchers, policymakers, and innovation networks can deepen collaboration to drive city growth and investment; and enabled Scotland’s cities to deepen relationships with cities across the UK and Ireland, facilitating peer-to-peer learning on best practice to ensure Scotland’s cities remain vibrant, sustainable, and competitive.
Our work is driven by two interconnected workstreams: Policy and Investment Promotion, which operate in tandem to achieve our shared aims and ambitions.
Policy
A key strength of the Alliance lies in its ability to convene city, Scottish, and UK political leaders – creating a unique forum for collaboration. This enables strategic discussions around the policy and funding levers needed to attract investment, create jobs, and drive inclusive economic growth.
By championing the distinct needs and ambitions of Scotland’s urban areas, we work with decision-makers to shape policies that foster prosperity, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability – laying the groundwork for private investment.
Investment Promotion
We actively promote Scotland’s cities by highlighting their strengths, innovation, and future vision through curated events and targeted promotional campaigns. By creating platforms for city leaders to speak at major conferences and engage directly with investors, we help forge meaningful partnerships to support regeneration and long-term growth.
From energy transition and advanced manufacturing to life sciences and the creative industries, Scotland’s cities are ambitious, innovative, and open for business. The momentum is building – and the future looks brighter than ever.
The Alliance and its partners are committed to working with stakeholders across the public and private sectors to unlock growth that benefits all of Scotland. We invite you to join us on this journey.
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LHEES, area-wide plans for improving building energy efficiency and decarbonising heat, are crucial for Scotland’s energy transition. These strategies provide a framework for improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions in buildings by 2045. Cities are implementing LHEES to identify and prioritise areas for energy improvements, ensuring a coordinated approach to decarbonisation.
Efforts to decarbonise urban areas are gaining momentum. Initiatives like the Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme (LCITP) support projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Cities are developing net zero neighbourhoods, focusing on energy efficiency, sustainable transport, and green spaces. These neighbourhoods aim to create healthier, more sustainable urban environments.
Scotland’s commitment to renewable energy is evident in its infrastructure. The country is a leader in wind energy, with numerous onshore and offshore wind farms. Cities are increasingly integrating renewable energy sources into their grids, supporting Scotland’s ambitious climate targets.
Transport infrastructure in Scotland’s cities is robust and continually improving. Scotland’s road network spans approximately 35,400 miles (56,959 km), with major road networks like the M8 connecting Glasgow and Edinburgh facilitating efficient travel and commerce. Rail connectivity is equally vital, with cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow serving as central hubs in the UK’s national rail network. The Caledonian Sleeper service, the overnight sleeper train service also provides a convenient connection between London and many of Scotland’s cities.
The rise of digital services has increased demand for data centres. Scotland’s cool climate and renewable energy resources make it an attractive location for green data centres. These facilities use energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy sources to minimise their environmental impact. Cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow are exploring opportunities to develop such centres, supporting the digital economy while aligning with sustainability goals.
Scotland is making significant strides in digital connectivity. The rollout of 5G and full-fibre broadband is transforming cities into digital hubs. CityFibre’s Gigabit City Investment Programme is a key initiative, aiming to provide full-fibre infrastructure to cities up and down Scotland and the wider UK. This programme supports the Scottish Government’s goal of ensuring superfast broadband access for all premises by 2027. Stirling became the UK’s first completed Gigabit City in 2020.