Michael Matheson, 
secretary for transport, infrastructure and connectivity

The investment package covered seven areas of investment ranging from innovation, digital and culture, heritage and tourism.

The deal also covers areas such as overs transport, connectivity and low carbon, infrastructure and skills & inclusion.

The seventh area included in the deal is establishing a capital fund for Clackmannanshire.

Organisers of the deal said it would focus on focus on delivering national and international sustainability through cutting edge environmental projects, innovation in the digital and tourism sectors and boosting skills across the region to create a pathway for future success and resilience.

Alister Jack MP, secretary of state for Scotland, joined Michael Matheson MSP, secretary for transport, infrastructure and connectivity, at Forth Valley College yesterday to seal the government’s commitment to the funding package.

Mr Jack said: “This is a big step forward for the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal, which will be transformational for the region’s economy, creating jobs and boosting prosperity for the long term. The UK Government is investing more than £45 million in projects in Stirling and Clackmannanshire, including in tourism, aquaculture and the environment.

“This is just one of the many City Region and Growth Deals across Scotland, in which the UK Government is investing more than £1.4 billion to create thousands of jobs and opportunities and grow Scotland’s economy.”

Mr Matheson added: “The Scottish Government is contributing £50.1 million to the Stirling & Clackmannanshire region through this City Region Deal and additional projects.

“Across Scotland we have so far committed more than £1.8 billion over the next 10 to 20 years to City Region and Growth Deals and additional investments. This signing is a milestone moment for the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal. It will make a real lasting difference to the future of the region and inject confidence into the economy, improving the quality of life for local people.

“Not only will this deal create new high-value jobs, it will help safeguard the local economy and strengthen communities across Stirling and Clackmannanshire. I am grateful to all the partners for their hard work in getting to this stage, and I recognise the important involvement of the community in developing the deal proposals.”

Ellen Forson, Clackmannanshire Council leader, said: “Through this deal we have a unique opportunity, together with the University of Stirling, to create Scotland’s International Environment Centre in Alloa which aims to be a global leader for research and innovation, creating inclusive employment opportunities which will help us in our goal for a more sustainable and prosperous future.”