Scotland outpaced both Europe and the UK as a whole last year as a destination for foreign investors, according to a new report.

The latest EY Scotland Attractiveness Survey revealed 122 inward investment projects were secured in Scotland in 2021, up from 107 the previous year.

The 14% increase compared with rises of 1.8% across the UK and 5.4% in Europe.
Scotland outpaced both Europe and the UK as a whole last year as a destination for foreign investors, according to a new report.

The latest EY Scotland Attractiveness Survey revealed 122 inward investment projects were secured in Scotland in 2021, up from 107 the previous year.

The 14% increase compared with rises of 1.8% across the UK and 5.4% in Europe.

The figures indicate that Scotland remains the top UK location outside of London.

Digital technology led the way with 33 projects, followed by utility supply (18 projects), business and professional services (14) and machinery and equipment (14).

Digital projects in Scotland rose by 73.4%, in contrast to a 7% decline in Europe and 7% growth in the UK overall.

Scotland’s share of all UK foreign direct investment (FDI) projects rose to its highest level in the past decade, securing 12.3% of projects – up from 11% in 2020.

The survey also found that Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen remained in the top 10 locations outside of London for attracting projects.

Edinburgh ranked equal first with Manchester, with Dundee and Livingston also making the top 20.

The figures indicate that Scotland remains the top UK location outside of London.

Digital technology led the way with 33 projects, followed by utility supply (18 projects), business and professional services (14) and machinery and equipment (14).

Digital projects in Scotland rose by 73.4%, in contrast to a 7% decline in Europe and 7% growth in the UK overall.

Scotland’s share of all UK foreign direct investment (FDI) projects rose to its highest level in the past decade, securing 12.3% of projects – up from 11% in 2020.

The survey also found that Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen remained in the top 10 locations outside of London for attracting projects.

Edinburgh ranked equal first with Manchester, with Dundee and Livingston also making the top 20.

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