AYRSHIRE Growth Deal is pushed by MSPs who met with the UK Secretary of State of Industrial Strategy.

According to Brian Whittle MSP, the Ayrshire Growth Deal is making progress.

The deal, which involves joint investment in Ayrshire by the councils, private investors and the UK and Scottish Governments, has the potential to transform the Ayrshire economy with major investments aimed at attracting and developing businesses, improving infrastructure and encouraging tourism. 

Originally developed to provide Ayrshire with its own version of the city deals, the Ayrshire Growth Deal is now being considered as part of the UK Government’s planned Industrial Strategy.

Brian Whittle MSP had written previously to Greg Clark MP, as the Secretary of State responsible for Industrial Strategy asking for the meeting.

Speaking after the meeting, Brian Whittle MSP said: “I’m delighted Greg Clark was able to come to Scotland and meet us to discuss the Ayrshire Growth Deal. John, Jamie and I had a long and very positive meeting with Greg and I’m confident that he sees the merits of the AGD. 

"Ayrshire wasn’t fortunate enough to be covered by a city deal but the plans for the growth deal offer a real alternative that fits with the UK Government’s wider Industrial Strategy. 

"The next big step for the project is for the Scottish Government to set out its contribution to the AGD in detail so the UK Government can know exactly what aspects of the deal it will be asked to support. 

"Co-operation and communication will be key to making the Ayrshire Growth Deal a reality and I’ll be continuing to work to make that happen.”