Letter from Scotland: post referendum actions

Susan Hanley
30 October 2014

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Transport projects are high on the agenda as the country returns to business as usual after the referendum writes ACE’s regional manager Susan Hanley.

Amongst many infrastructure projects currently underway in Scotland transport is playing a key part and ACE’s members are benefiting from the continuing investment now the dust has settled following last month’s vote.

The Scottish Government has had devolved powers within transport since 2001 and since its formation in 2006 Transport Scotland has been the agency responsible for the delivery of major infrastructure projects. In 2012/2013 its £1.9bn budget delivered a wide range of achievements including major national transport projects for road and rail throughout Scotland. 

"Key publicly funded projects stimulate economic growth and support jobs within Scotland and the skills of ACE members will continue to be pivotal to the successful delivery of our infrastructure"

The New Queensferry crossing under construction over the Firth of Firth is the largest infrastructure project in Scotland for a generation and along with the Victorian rail and and fifty year old Forth Road Bridge will be a new draw for bridge engineering enthusiasts when it opens in 2016.

But it’s not all about the new bridge. In May ACE member Fairhurst was awarded, as part of a joint venture, the first of three design deals for the A9 dualling programme for the 46km stretch between Glen Garry and Delraddy. A further  member Jacobs has just been awarded the second 50km stretch between the Pass of Birnham and Glen Garry.

The £350M Borders Railway, due to open in summer 2015, will deliver 49km of new railway and seven new stations linking the Borders with Midlothian and Edinburgh. Atkins, URS and Fairhurst, all ACE members, are part of the team of consultants carrying out detailed design.

The ACE Scotland group chaired by David Macleod of Rybka has membership from firms ranging in size from SMEs to multinational organisations and covering a broad spectrum of disciplines. 

Through our involvement with various government bodies, groups and forums we strive to promote our members’ concerns in relation to vital aspects such as Government reform, skills shortages, procurement process, fees and payment schedules. Additionally as part of the Transport Scotland Forum, ACE brings its members together to consult on issues such as framework agreements.

Key publicly funded projects stimulate economic growth and support jobs within Scotland and the skills of ACE members will continue to be pivotal to the successful delivery of our infrastructure, ACE Scotland group welcome the engagement of members as we strive to ensure we support them in this delivery. 

If you would like to get involved with the Scotland Group or attend one of our events you can find out more on www.acenet.co.uk/scotland