Concept of fast internet browsing with an lcd screen flahing a series of website rapidly.

It is a key business requirement that Scotland continues to invest in its infrastructure.

It is essential as much for domestic trade and maintaining of supplier links, as it is for tourism and to encourage the growth of Scotland’s international export potential. The 2011 Scottish Infrastructure Investment Plan set out the main focus for future investment and commits around £26bn towards 30 major investment programmes over a period to 2030. Nevertheless, more needs to be done and projects should be accelerated and further investment made available where necessary. Further action is also required to improve digital infrastructure across the country to ensure that Scotland’s businesses remain globally competitive.

The energy sector is key to any discussion about infrastructure and more needs to be done to ensure the sustainability, security and affordability of our current supply. This means clarity about the needs of the market and the plans of the government and requires a detailed review and commitment to a proper long-term plan. This will give the certainty required to allow investment. In terms of the electricity market, long term planning is required to deliver a balance between baseload, variable and intermittent supplies and how these can be met by nuclear, fossil fuel and renewable energy sources. A commitment should also be given to review the network transmission costs with a view to ensuring that Scottish investment is not unfairly penalised.