New Scottish economy supremo Louise Macdonald OBE embarked on a whistle-stop tour of Ayrshire as part of a fact-finding mission about the region’s multi-million pound Growth Deal.
Ms Macdonald visited Kilmarnock’s Park Hotel for an update from the Ayrshire Regional Economic Partnership then checked out the town's £11 million's HALO project and made a stop at Hunterston.
As part of her tour, Ms Macdonald also took in Prestwick Airport and Spirit Aerosystems, who are both key players in the space and aerospace themes of the Ayrshire Growth Deal.
Ms Macdonald, Scotland’s Director General for Economy, said: “Ayrshire embodies what the Scottish Government is aiming to achieve through its national strategy for economic transformation.
“The region is taking an inclusive and collaborative approach to economic development so communities, businesses and the people of Ayrshire all benefit.
“Innovative manufacturing projects at Hunterston and Prestwick, along with projects breaking down labour market barriers for people struggling with health conditions highlight that regional partners are making sure investment adds value for Ayrshire.”
South Ayrshire Council leader Martin Dowey, chair of the Ayrshire economic joint committee, said: “We were delighted to welcome Ms Macdonald and outline some of the exciting work being carried out by the Growth Deal team.
“The visit couldn’t come at a more poignant and important time, with business and communities still recovering from the impact of the pandemic and now struggling to deal with the cost-of-living crisis.
“Partners behind the Ayrshire Growth Deal are determined to make real and long-term positive change to lives of our communities. The last year has seen us put things in place that will provide a platform for us to bring projects to fruition over the coming years.
“The Growth Deal has the potential to change the very landscape of our economy and we are determined to deliver for businesses and people of Ayrshire.”
The £251m Ayrshire Growth Deal (AGD) has a number of priorities which are aerospace and space, economic infrastructure, tourism and energy, circular economy and environment.
In total, the AGD aims to create up to 7,000 new jobs across North, East and South Ayrshire by 2030, while attracting £300m in private investment by 2045.
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