SOSE Newsletter Signup

Every day, I am inspired by the ambition of our businesses, entrepreneurs and communities. 

Working with partners, SOSE is determined to match that ambition with action - so that more people, places and businesses share in the growth and confidence building across our region. 

The South of Scotland Regional Transformational Opportunities report gives us our clearest picture yet of what is possible: new jobs, new investment, stronger skills and long-term prosperity. 

Built on extensive research, analysis and engagement with organisations across the region, it sets out the opportunities that could shape the South of Scotland’s economy over the next 15 to 20 years. 

The scale is significant: more than 200 projects, representing a combined investment value of almost £32 billion. 

Together, these opportunities could support nearly 74,000 construction FTE job years and close to 8,000 operational FTE jobs. One FTE job year is the equivalent of one full-time job supported for one year. 

Confidence in the South 

These headline figures are not ambition without foundation. They reflect action already under way across the South of Scotland - action that is giving investors, businesses and partners confidence in our region. 

And we can see that confidence bearing fruit. Inward investment enquiries have risen by 50% over the past year, with SOSE playing a key role in recently announced investments including: 

Building on our strengths 

The report groups the opportunities around eight themes: 

This is not a standing start. We are already moving opportunities forward.

The opening of the Borderlands Deep Tech Accelerator Hub will help businesses across the South harness the potential of AI, deep tech and advanced manufacturing. 

Our visitor economy has momentum too. Dumfries & Galloway’s place on National Geographic’s Best of the World 2027 list and the Tour de France coming to the region next year show what strong partnership working can achieve. 

We can turn these opportunities into reality if we keep embracing innovation while building on the strengths we already have. 

That also means tackling the practical barriers to growth. The report is clear about the enabling projects we need: energy-grid upgrades, port and transport infrastructure, strategic housing and effective planning. 

These are challenges, certainly - but they are also opportunities to collaborate, align our efforts and act with purpose. 

Most importantly, the report gives weight to what many of us already know: the South of Scotland has the assets, talent and ideas to play a major role in Scotland’s economic future. 

Our task now is straightforward: build on the evidence, strengthen our partnerships and turn potential into delivery. 

If we do that well, the opportunities identified today can help create a greener, fairer and flourishing South of Scotland for generations to come.  

That is the prize - and I believe it is firmly within our reach.