Five years after it was signed by the Prime Minister and First Minister, the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal has helped 15,000 people secure employment, and improved the skills and knowledge of over 103,000 of the region’s citizens.

The delivery milestones are captured in the Deal’s latest annual report.

Significant progress has been made on delivering 3,500 new homes in Winchburgh. Over 540 mid-market rent homes have been delivered by Edinburgh Living, and nine new industrial units have opened in Fife, with more on the way in the Scottish Borders.

£3 million has been secured to improve regional bus services, and over 700 small to medium-sized businesses have been supported.

Some of the Deal’s impacts are captured in a video series, highlighting the people and organisations behind the projects. Featured projects include data skills in primary schools, circular economy and low carbon in the Fife Innovation Zone, and a construction academy for members of the region’s Ukrainian community.

With an investment of £1.5 billion over 15 years, the UK and Scottish governments, along with regional stakeholders, are committed to enhancing transportation, housing, culture, skills, employability, and innovation across the region. This investment, in the region with more than 24% of Scotland’s population, is one of the most ambitious deals in the UK.

At the fifth anniversary, 18 out of 20 business cases are approved and either in their implementation or delivery phase. Project milestones in the last 12 months include opening the National Robotarium in September 2022, launch of the Usher Innovation Community in November 2022, and completion of the Edinburgh Innovation Park A1 grade separated junction in May 2023.

Councillor Euan Jardine, Convener of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Joint Committee, said:

“The Edinburgh and South-East Scotland City Region Deal is a triumph of regional collaboration in delivering jobs, skills, opportunities, well-being and prosperity. It demonstrates what can be achieved when central and local government, higher and further education, and the business, social enterprise and third sectors work strategically and collectively. We are on track to significantly exceed the benefits anticipated through this transformative Deal and have exciting plans to maintain and enhance the region’s global reputation, become the Data Capital of Europe and to deliver sustainable and inclusive growth for the benefit of all who live in this diverse region.”

UK Government Minister for Scotland Malcolm Offord said:

“The Edinburgh City Region and South East Scotland deal has reached some remarkable milestones in the five years since its signing. We are already seeing the benefits the projects are bringing to the region through the breakthroughs in science and innovation and developments in infrastructure.

“The UK Government’s £300 million investment continues to support the deal to deliver sustainable economic growth in South East Scotland, part of more than £2.4 billion to level up right across Scotland.”

Scottish Government Wellbeing Economy Secretary Neil Gray said:

“I welcome great progress since the Scottish Government’s commitment to invest £300 million in the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal in 2018.  These projects build on the strengths of the region’s economy, delivering improvements in innovation, housing, culture and critical infrastructure plus a new skills programme; unlocking opportunities for communities across the area.”