Holyrood’s Finance Committee focuses on ‘economic growth’ with visit to Renfrewshire’s advanced manufacturing and innovation district

The fact-finding visit will focus on economic growth and how best to respond to Scotland’s long-term fiscal pressures.

Learning from the visit will help inform the committee’s scrutiny of the Scottish Government’s Budget later this year.

In particular, the MSPs are examining ways in which to:

• increase productivity and labour market participation
• boost Scotland’s growth sector
• make most impact from the Scottish Government’s capital budget.

Speaking ahead of the visit to the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS), committee convener Kenneth Gibson said:

“The focus of our pre-budget scrutiny this year is very much on how the Scottish Government plans to start responding to long-term fiscal pressures in the here and now. It is hugely important given the significant issues that lie ahead for Scotland over the next 50 years.

“Visiting AMIDS in Renfrewshire will give us the chance to learn more about high value manufacturing and advanced manufacturing capability, and what potential it holds for Scotland’s economy if we can boost high worth sectors such as this.

“We also want to hear first-hand from industry experts what more can be done to attract and retain high value enterprise, and what support is needed from government and the public sector more widely.

“With Scotland facing serious long-term fiscal pressure, it’s vital that we support growth in key sectors to boost economic performance and tax revenues.”

AMIDS is a collaborative project between Renfrewshire Council and Buccleuch Property which seeks to drive technological advancement, accelerate innovation and deliver economic growth.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said, “AMIDS is one of the most significant developments in Renfrewshire’s recent history as it will bring high-quality jobs, world-leading industry and academia, and provide a significant boost to the local and national economy. It’s encouraging to have the Finance Committee visit as part of their learning process as it recognises the importance of AMIDS as a vehicle for economic growth now and in the future.”