South Scotland project pipeline has £31.8bn investment potential
New research has identified 202 projects across the South of Scotland with a combined potential investment value of around £31.8 billion.
The study was commissioned by South of Scotland Enterprise on behalf of the South of Scotland Regional Economic Partnership, which covers Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders. The £31.8 billion figure represents potential investment if the identified projects go ahead. It is not committed or secured funding.
The findings were discussed at the Convention of the South of Scotland in Dumfries on 5 October 2026. The convention brings together the Scottish Government, both local councils, and public-sector partners working across the region. The full South of Scotland Regional Transformation Opportunities report is due to be published by the partnership next week.
Projects could support almost 8,000 long-term jobs
If the projects are realised, the research estimates they could support around 73,000 construction job-years and almost 8,000 long-term jobs.
For businesses across the region, that points to potential demand across construction, supply chains, logistics, professional services, and other sectors if a meaningful share of the pipeline moves forward.
Energy, manufacturing and technology feature in the pipeline
The projects span clean energy, natural capital, advanced manufacturing, technology, life sciences, tourism, and the creative industries. The region is already seeing major renewable-energy development, including the 102MW Stranoch wind farm near New Luce.
That breadth gives the pipeline significance beyond any one sector. Energy and natural capital projects could create opportunities around infrastructure and land use, while manufacturing, life sciences, and technology bring different skills and supply-chain requirements.
Investment is already moving in parts of the region. Pickstock Telford began construction in September 2026 on a beef processing facility at Ecclefechan worth more than £24 million, backed by £4.7 million from South of Scotland Enterprise.
The development is expected to create around 250 construction jobs and 90 permanent roles once operational.
Housing, transport and skills could limit delivery
The pipeline’s potential depends on more than investor interest.
The South of Scotland Regional Economic Strategy Delivery Plan for 2025 to 2027 identifies housing, transport, and skills as three critical priorities for the region’s future growth.
Those issues are directly relevant to large-scale investment. New projects need skilled workers, suitable housing, and transport connections capable of supporting employees, suppliers, and goods moving across a largely rural region.
For businesses in Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders, the research provides an early indication of where future demand could emerge across energy, construction, manufacturing, technology, and services.
The £31.8 billion figure remains a measure of potential rather than money already committed. The commercial opportunity will depend on how many of the 202 projects progress and whether the region can provide the infrastructure and workforce needed to support them.
A separate investment tracker has identified a £46.3bn project pipeline across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
Featured image adapted from “Robin Rigg” by Ann Cook, via Geograph (https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2855937), licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/).
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