5. Looking ahead

Looking ahead

As an agency of the Scottish Government, we remain focused on the national outcomes of the National Performance Framework, and the four priorities of the National Transport Strategy: Reduces Inequalities, Takes Climate Action, Helps Deliver Inclusive Economic Growth and Improves our Health and Wellbeing.

Scotland's transport system underpins economic prosperity, connects communities and enables access to employment, education, healthcare and leisure opportunities. In the year ahead, we will continue to invest in and enhance transport services and infrastructure, support delivery of the Scottish Government's priorities, and work with our partners to build a transport system that is safe, sustainable, resilient and accessible for all.

Helps Deliver Inclusive Economic Growth

We will invest almost £4.3 billion to maintain and enhance Scotland's transport network, including £2.7 billion for public transport services and infrastructure and £1.2 billion for the safe operation and improvement of the strategic trunk road network. Through this investment we will support sustainable economic growth, improve connectivity and strengthen the resilience of Scotland's transport network for communities and businesses.

Key priorities will include progressing major transport infrastructure, including the A9 Dualling Programme, the A96 Inverness to Nairn scheme (including the Nairn Bypass), continued appraisal and development of a permanent solution for the M8 Woodside Viaduct, and the delivery of both the medium- and long-term solutions to the landslip risks at the A83 Rest and Be Thankful. We will also continue to support regional economic development through investment in City Region Deal projects and provide technical assurance to the development of Clyde Metro proposals.

We will continue to invest in Scotland's railways through maintenance and renewal programmes, including preparations for the 2028 Perth signalling and track renewal programme, while supporting the development of new rail station proposals at locations such as Newburgh and Winchburgh. We will also work with the UK Government and Great British Railways (GBR) to establish future rail governance arrangements in Scotland and ensure the long-term delivery of services that are specified and funded by Scottish Ministers.

Investment will continue across Scotland's ferry, ports and harbour infrastructure, with build work continuing on the four major vessels and seven small electric ferries for the CHFS network. CMAL and Transport Scotland will continue to monitor and take appropriate action to secure the completion and deployment of these vessels as quickly as possible. Procurement is also underway for MV Lord of the Isles replacement vessel, while two Northern Isles Freight Flex vessels have been commissioned. In parallel, work continues on the implementation of long-term investment plans for ports and harbours. Following the acquisition of Ardrossan Harbour into public ownership in March 2026, plans for its future redevelopment will be progressed, helping to strengthen the long-term resilience of ferry services and support wider regeneration opportunities.

Alongside these investments, we will continue to deliver public service reform across Transport Scotland and its delivery bodies. We will also continue to modernise transport technology and customer information services through upgrades to Traffic Scotland, the introduction of a new Customer Care Line, and enhancements to Traveline, including next-generation journey planning and disruption management systems. Together, these investments will improve connectivity, support local and regional economies, strengthen supply chains and support the efficient movement of people and goods across Scotland.

We will continue to work collaboratively with major event organisers and partners to ensure Scotland's transport networks support the successful delivery of nationally and internationally significant events, including the Royal Highland Show, Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, the BBC Radio 2 Summer Sessions in Stirling and the International Airshow in Ayr. By providing safe, reliable and efficient transport connections, we will help maximise the economic, tourism and community benefits these events bring to Scotland while supporting the effective movement of people across the country.

Reduces Inequalities

We will continue to improve access to transport and reduce barriers to travel, ensuring people and communities across Scotland can access employment, education, healthcare and essential services. This includes supporting concessionary travel and national travel schemes, by working with partners to progress a £2 bus fare cap to Glasgow, Ayrshire, Dunbartonshire, Renfrewshire, Lanarkshire, and Inverclyde within the first 100 days of this government. Furthermore, distributing £10 million to Regional Transport Partnerships through our People and Place delivery model to support local interventions that address transport related barriers to employment and opportunity. 

We will continue to improve accessibility and integration across the transport network through delivery of the Accessible Travel Framework and advance our Vision for an integrated public transport system, including developing the business case for better integrated public transport fares and a Multi-modal Integrated National Ticketing System, to provide a more affordable, available and accessible public transport network across Scotland. Alongside the ongoing provision of rail, ferry and aviation services, these actions will help create a more connected, inclusive and accessible transport system that supports communities across Scotland.

Takes Climate Action

We will continue to support Scotland’s transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient transport system through investment in sustainable transport, decarbonisation and climate adaptation. Key priorities include advancing rail decarbonisation on the Borders and Fife routes through the Rail Recharged Strategy, supporting the expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure through the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund and cross-pavement charging scheme, and continuing investment in active travel infrastructure across Scotland.

During the year, we will also strengthen our strategic approach to environmental sustainability by publishing Transport Scotland’s Biodiversity Strategy, developing a Transport Just Transition Plan following publication of the final Climate Change Plan, and publishing a Net Zero Route Map setting out our pathway to achieving net zero emissions associated with the operation, maintenance and improvement of the trunk road network by 2045.

Alongside emissions reduction, we will continue to improve the resilience of Scotland’s transport network to the impacts of climate change. Through the Approach to Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience (ACCAR) programme, we will work collaboratively with stakeholders to deliver adaptation actions that strengthen the resilience of transport infrastructure and services to severe weather and other climate-related risks.

Improves our Health and Wellbeing

We will continue to enhance the safety, reliability and resilience of Scotland's transport system, supporting healthier, safer and better connected communities. Key priorities will include investing in the safe operation, maintenance and improvement of the trunk road network, maintaining and renewing Scotland's rail infrastructure, delivering high-quality active travel infrastructure across Scotland, and managing the Clyde and Hebrides and Northern Isles Ferry Services contracts to support safe, reliable and sustainable ferry services that connect island and rural communities. We will also improve the quality of information and services available to travellers through upgrades to Traffic Scotland, Traveline and wider transport technology systems.

We will continue to improve road safety through the rollout of 20 mph measures on the trunk road network and delivery of casualty reduction initiatives, including targeted speed management interventions designed to support safer travel across Scotland. Alongside this, we will strengthen the resilience of transport services and infrastructure, improve customer information and journey planning, and work with operators and partners to ensure Scotland's transport networks continue to support safe, reliable and efficient travel for residents, visitors and businesses.

Future Spending Plans

The 2026-27 Scottish Budget provides details of our spending plans. The budget reflects a strong focus on public transport, road safety, low carbon initiatives, and major infrastructure projects while promoting affordable, accessible, and sustainable travel that will help deliver sustainable economic growth. The table below presents the allocations that were provided in line with Scottish Budget 2026-27.

The 2026-27 Budget of £4.282 billion (2025-26 £3.934 billion) is an increase of 8.8% from the prior year’s Budget.

Transport Scotland Budget Type	2026-27 (£'000)
Capital	2,294,700
Fiscal Resource	1,683,800
Resource Depreciation (Non-Cash)	320,900
AME (Non-Cash)	8,200
Financial Transactions	(26,100)
Total SG Funding	4,281,500

The going concern basis has been used in the preparation of this Annual Report and Accounts as all activities performed by Transport Scotland are expected to continue for the foreseeable future.

Alison Irvine
Chief Executive

The Accountable Officer authorised these financial statements for issue on 5 October 2026.