Stirling has embraced digital transformation through the 8th City Programme, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) delivering five smart city projects across two programme phases.
8th City Programme – Phase 1
Open Data
Stirling collaborated with Aberdeen, Dundee, Inverness, and Perth to develop a shared open data platform. In April 2023, datasets were migrated to the Stirling Council ArcGIS Open Spatial Data platform.
Key Outcomes:
- 1 Innovative Service developed
- 8 Dataset outputs generated
Completion Date: March 2019
Smart Mobility
Sensor-based monitoring of vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians was deployed to improve travel efficiency. Data feeds were made available via Stirling’s open data platform.
Key Outcomes:
- 3 Innovative Service developed
- 3 Dataset outputs generated
Completion Date: December 2018
Smart Waste
Stirling installed solar-powered compactor bins in the city centre as part of a wider ERDF operation with Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, and Perth.
Key Outcomes:
- 1 Innovative Service developed
- 1 Dataset generated
Completion Date: December 2018
8th City Programme – Phase 2
Open Data Expansion
Building on Phase 1, Stirling expanded its open data offering, significantly increasing the number of publicly accessible datasets.
Key Outcomes:
- 1 innovative service developed
- 30 Dataset outputs generated
Completion Date: March 2022
Smart City activity tends not to be simply an immediate answer to an immediate problem; instead it is about a focus on longer-term awareness and preparedness. The value of data-led delivery is that it can also create a model of learning.
Jim Tonner, Open Data Officer, Stirling Council
Public sector delivery isn’t simple; we have to engage communities in order to deliver; sometimes the focus is not simply on what is done but on what could be done to really make a difference.
Stirling’s Open Data Hub is available here.
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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.