Setting out a long-term vision for Scottish infrastructure, the plan outlines how future investment decisions will be made, and shares a five-year programme of further improvements in the government’s approach.

The consultation addresses four important themes: the inclusion of natural infrastructure, a common investment hierarchy approach, assessing the impacts of proposed infrastructure and assessing the carbon impact of future plans.

Following an expert roundtable with members, ACE Scotland suggested recommendations around natural infrastructure, prioritising re-use over new build investments, including connectivity as a key indicator, and using the five capitals model to measure successful outcomes, including whole-life carbon analysis and assessments for meeting national net zero targets.

Collating the response was one of the first jobs for Stephen Munro of Allen Gordon LLP in his new role as ACE Scotland chair.

He said: “We’re delighted to have been asked by the Scottish Government to present the views of industry and input into this consultation. The experiences and knowledge shared by our members means we have made a significant contribution to the development of a successful plan. We will continue to make the case for infrastructure’s contribution to Scotland’s economic, social and environmental wellbeing, as well as championing its role as a catalyst for recovery.”

ACE Scotland said it looks forward to further developing its key relationship with the Scottish infrastructure office in the coming months. A copy of ACE’s consultation response can be downloaded here.

On Mr Munro’s appointment, Darrell Matthews, director of membership and business engagement at ACE, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Stephen to this new role. He brings a wealth of experience and with the backing of one of the country’s more prominent companies in our sector, will bring a lot to the table on behalf of the entire membership.”