Record foreign investment interest reflects growing confidence in South of Scotland
We have welcomed a new report highlighting Scotland’s foreign direct investment attractiveness is now at record levels – reflecting growing confidence from investors looking to come to the South.
EY UK Attractiveness Survey 2026 has found that Scotland remains the UK’s top destination for foreign direct investment outside London for the eleventh consecutive year.
Why is Scotland attractive to foreign investors?
- Investors cited Scotland's highly skilled workforce, strong infrastructure and overall business environment as core strengths.
- One in three businesses planning to invest in the UK are now considering Scotland – up from 27% in 2024 to a record high.
Growing confidence in the South
The results align with the growing confidence which we are witnessing in the South of Scotland, with the region being seen as the ideal investment location.
Donna Marshall, South of Scotland Enterprise’s Head of Investment Promotion, said:
“The EY UK Attractiveness Survey reinforces what we are seeing on the ground - growing interest from companies considering the South of Scotland as a place to invest, grow and create opportunity.
“We are seeing an increase not only in the number of potential investment projects, but also in their scale and ambition. In 2024/25, SOSE supported 55 live projects from outwith the region that were interested in investing in the South.
“Major opportunities such as the transformative proposals at Chapelcross, Center Parcs development and the Mountain Bike Innovation Centre demonstrate the scale of ambition across the region and the potential to create significant employment, supply chain and community benefits.
“At SOSE, our role is to be a catalyst for responsible growth, working with investors and partners to help de-risk investment, unlock opportunities and ensure that the benefits are felt by businesses, communities and people across the South of Scotland.”