The Scottish Market Opportunity
Scotland is spending billions on roads. Are you at the table?
Scotland's transport infrastructure sector is in one of the most significant investment cycles in a generation. For roads and highways suppliers, the window to build a meaningful presence here has never been more open.
The investment case
A decade of committed pipeline
The Scottish Government's 2026–27 budget commits £1.2 billion to maintain and improve the trunk road network, progressing major projects and improving road safety. This sits within a total transport portfolio of nearly £4.3 billion — up from £1.1 billion for the trunk road in 2025–26, a clear direction of travel.
"By the time a contract is advertised on Public Contracts Scotland, the conversations that really matter have often already happened."
At the headline level, the A9 Dualling programme is a £3.7 billion commitment to upgrade 83 miles of single carriageway between Perth and Inverness, completing by 2035. That is a decade-long pipeline spanning planning, design, construction and supply — and it is just one programme among many.
Why Scotland is different
A market with its own rules
Scotland is not simply a northern extension of the England and Wales market. It has its own legislative framework, its own procurement routes through Public Contracts Scotland, and its own strategic priorities — with sustainability embedded into procurement decisions from the outset.
Record road safety investment
Scotland invested a record £48 million in road safety in 2025–26, covering trunk road engineering, speed management and driver behaviour.
Net zero agenda
£226 million committed to active travel and bus infrastructure, plus £85 million in low-carbon programmes including EV charging expansion.
SME-friendly procurement
Transport Scotland actively works to reduce barriers for SMEs and smaller suppliers — this market wants new entrants, not just the same established names.
Broad supply chain scope
Contracts span consultancy, data, digital, engineering, maintenance and more — the breadth of opportunity extends far beyond construction.
How to break in
You need to be known before the tender goes out
Procurement in the Scottish roads sector is relationship-driven. Getting in front of Transport Scotland, local authorities, trunk road operators and Tier 1 contractors before the work is awarded is how suppliers build a credible foothold. That means showing up in the right rooms — and making the right connections.
Road Expo Scotland brings together the full spectrum of Scotland's transport infrastructure community, from Transport Scotland and local authority roads officers to contractors, consultants and innovators. It is the one event in Scotland dedicated to this sector, and the most direct route to the relationships that lead to real commercial opportunity.
Join us at SEC Glasgow, 24–25 November 2026
Co-located with Bridges Scotland. In partnership with Transport Scotland.