The UK Government has announced the Scotland Investment Acceleration Programme, saying it is designed to “enhance capability, attract investment and accelerate growth”.
The new scheme was launched during Scottish Cities Week 2026 by Scotland Office Minister, Kirsty McNeill. Ms McNeill was joined by investors and business leaders, as well as officials from the Scotland Office, Department for Business and Trade and the Office for Investment.
The financial package is a collaboration between the UK Government, TheCityUK and the Scottish Cities Alliance. The programme will include structured support, technical guidance and market intelligence to help local governments and cities to attract inward investment.
Scotland Office Minister, Kirsty McNeill, said: “Scotland’s cities and regions hold immense potential for inward investment: We have the talent, the ingenuity, and the resources.
“This is about building a competitive advantage for Scotland, ensuring our regions and communities are ready to secure the vital capital that drives growth and creates jobs. Together, we will enhance capability, attract investment, and accelerate growth for the benefit of all of Scotland.”
Cllr Raymond Bremner, Chair, Scottish Cities Alliance and Leader, Highland Council said: “Scottish Cities Alliance is proud to support the Scotland Investment Acceleration Programme. Building capability and fostering collaboration between governments, investors, and our Scottish city partners is essential to unlocking transformative investment.
“Through initiatives like Scottish Cities Week London, we champion inclusive, sustainable growth and showcase Scotland’s strengths to ensure our cities thrive in a competitive global economy.”
Leaders of local authorities will learn how to attract and use investment with technical sessions on investor expectations and project assessment criteria. There will be guidance to help strengthen proposals for investment, with networking and peer learning forums to allow sharing of best practices.
This initiative follows the UK Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy, a ten-year plan to make it quicker and easier for businesses to invest in sectors which drive growth.
Scottish Cities Week is the Scottish Cities Alliance’s annual flagship event targeting London-based investors, developers, and partners to showcase growth opportunities in Scotland’s cities.
