THE Scottish Government has hailed what it calls the significant progress which has been made on major infrastructure projects in the past six months, according to a series of new reports.

The reports highlight the £160 million electrification of the railway line from Glasgow to Edinburgh via Shotts, the completion of the £57.9m Dalry Bypass, and the opening of a £77.4m hospital in Orkney.

More than £90m worth of school projects were completed and opened to pupils within the current £1.8 billion Schools for the Future programme.

As of June 30, some 26,581 affordable homes had been built as part of the £3.3bn affordable homes programme, according to Infrastructure Investment Plan reports which are now available online. In addition, there has been investment for the expansion of early learning and childcare. As of July, 114 refurbishment projects, 16 extension projects and 14 new build projects had been completed, delivering an additional 2556 early learning and childcare places for children.

The Scottish Government has already invested £130m in the city region and growth deal programme. Together with the associated investment, this programme has committed over £1.8bn over the next 10 to 15 years.

Commenting on the reports, Infrastructure Secretary Michael Matheson said: “In spite of increasingly challenging economic conditions, the Scottish Government is forging on with delivering infrastructure projects that are making a real difference to people’s lives – by improving on Scotland’s housing, education, transport and education infrastructure.

“As a result, modern, state of the art facilities are benefitting communities across Scotland. By the end of the next parliamentary term, our National Infrastructure Mission commitment will increase our annual infrastructure investment, helping to protect and create jobs, and boosting economic growth across the country.”