A new national plan, which proposes 14 infrastructure developments across Scotland to deliver economic growth, has been unveiled.

The proposed National Planning Framework (NPF3) sets out a sustainable vision of growth and development and includes two new national developments.

Following a period of public consultation, the two proposed new developments are:

• Pumped Hydroelectric Storage: including at Cruachan Argyll, a nationally important hydroelectricity facility with significant potential for enhanced pumped storage capacity.
• A Digital Fibre Network: this focuses on plans for a fibre network to connect the most remote rural communities, many of which are in the Highlands and Islands.

When finalised, NPF3 will provide the context for development plans throughout the country.


The Scottish Parliament is now to consider the initiative for 60 days.

Commenting on the Framework, Planning Minister Derek Mackay said: "Scotland's planning system has an important and positive role to play in supporting sustainable economic growth.

"The consultation on the National Planning Framework attracted many responses from people and organisations throughout Scotland.

"The proposed framework will benefit every part of Scotland and sets out our vision for where sustainable economic growth should take place over the next 20 to 30 years.

"I want future planning decisions to give due weight to the economic benefit of proposed developments, particularly the creation of new jobs."

(JP/IT)