Following the publication of Balfour Beatty’s latest paper ‘Scotland’s Growth Unlocked: Harnessing the power of infrastructure’, Nick Rowan, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s Regional business in Scotland, has shared his thoughts in The Scotsman on why investment in the grid and planning reform must go hand in hand.

In the article, he calls for a single, streamlined gateway for planning and approvals to drive the energy revolution in Scotland – a process that brings agencies together, sets clear statutory timelines, accelerates decision-making, and eliminates costly delays.

He also highlights the importance of taking a proactive approach to safeguarding key energy and transport corridors and aligning development with economic and climate goal, to prevent projects vital to energy security and net zero from being held back by bureaucracy.

Finally, he explains that reforming the system isn’t just about speed; it’s about jobs, skills and communities – ensuring infrastructure delivers opportunities for people all over Scotland while benefiting the environment, education and the wider economy.

The time for bold action is now. Streamline the process, unlock investment, and deliver the future.

Read the article in full here.

Image: Nick Rowan, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s Regional business in Scotland