Once central to Scotland’s historic steel industry and the backbone of Glasgow’s rise and industrial might, North Lanarkshire today stands as one of Europe’s most striking stories of renewal, trading smoke and steel for innovation and sustainability.
Des Murray, Chief Executive of North Lanarkshire Council, reflected, “Lanarkshire has long been the heart of Scotland’s economy. It’s believed the first meeting of the Scots Parliament met here in Lanark, centuries before Edinburgh rose to prominence. Glasgow itself was once part of historical Lanarkshire; its growth powered by the steel and heavy industry of North Lanarkshire. Today, the county is a microcosm of Scotland. Based in the central belt where nearly half of Scotland’s population lives, it is defined by its proud industrial heritage, hard-working people, and a culture of innovation. If we can get North Lanarkshire firing on all cylinders, through investment, enterprise, and our own economic strengths, then we’ve built a model that can be replicated across Scotland.”
Space to Grow
Because of its post-industrial landscape, North Lanarkshire contains more than half of all marketable land for business and industry within the eight local authority areas comprising the Glasgow City Region. Available sites are on average larger than any other local authority in Scotland, making regeneration central to the council’s growth strategy. A streamlined pre-planning process now fast-tracks development, helping to transform brownfield sites like Ravenscraig Steelworks (one of Europe’s largest regeneration projects), Eurocentral, the M8 corridor, and Gartcosh.
According to Murray, over the last few years, North Lanarkshire attracted more foreign investment in land and industrial transactions than any other Scottish local authority, and over the past decade, its business base has grown more than three times faster than the Scottish average, while its economic output surged by 65.8% in the decade to 2023, well above Scotland’s 43.3% average.
“A key driver of growth is the council’s £1.7 billion capital investment program, the largest ever, which is revitalizing towns, schools, housing, and community spaces. As both the planning authority and an economic catalyst, we’re bringing together government, communities, education, and industry under one vision,” said Murray.
Drivers of Growth
North Lanarkshire’s resurgence is the result of strategic planning, supported by bold infrastructure investment and targeted support for high-growth sectors. Transport projects like the proposed East Airdrie Link Road, the upgraded Motherwell Station travel hub, and the planned Pan-Lanarkshire Orbital Corridor, are transforming connectivity by linking north and south, improving logistics, and opening up land for growth. At the epicenter, Eurocentral, a top industrial and logistics hub, anchors global giants such as Amazon, Lidl, and Scania.
Murray continued, “To strengthen the economy, we’re diversifying and boosting STEM, advanced manufacturing, and other emerging sectors. The council is enhancing digital connectivity, having already laid 340km of ultra-fast full-fiber, building a future-ready region that delivers gigabit-speed. Essentially, we’re creating the conditions that not only support investment but also generate a pipeline for it to scale at pace.”
Local hubs such as BioCity and the New College Lanarkshire Smart Hub are propelling pharmaceutical and bio-therapeutic research, robotics, and automation startups onto the global stage. “North Lanarkshire has been the birthplace of some of the most important scientific breakthroughs; other businesses can benefit from this supportive ecosystem,” Murray added.
Focusing on the future, he continued, “Proposals for a dedicated AI Growth Zone will bring billions of pounds of investment for data centers, power infrastructure, and skilled talent together, with plans to reuse data center heat to warm nearby buildings, and make North Lanarkshire a magnet for attracting investment in AI innovation and technologies. It’s a model of innovation serving the community, making growth inclusive and responsible.”
Reimagining Places
Across the county, former industrial sites are also being reimagined. The landmark redevelopment of Strathclyde Country Park, a former coal-mining village, now features community areas with renewable-powered facilities and visitor attractions, symbolizing a region where sustainability and quality of life go hand in hand. Murray sees this balance between innovation and livability as essential. “Economic success means nothing if people don’t feel its impact on their daily lives,” he said.
Education and workforce development are also critical. The region’s apprenticeship program is now one of the largest in Scotland, and local partnerships with the University of Strathclyde and New College Lanarkshire supply employers with skilled talent. Entrepreneurship is also thriving; The Hive, Scotland’s first council-subsidized, women-only business incubator, supports new ventures with tailored advice, mentorship, and access to training and funding. Female school pupils are also benefiting from Bee the Boss immersion days, inspiring future generations of female entrepreneurs.
Niche Sectors
North Lanarkshire’s expanding industrial base is drawing investment. In Cumbernauld, Wardpark Film and Television Studios, Scotland’s largest full-service production facility and home to the acclaimed series Outlander, was acquired by American investors, reflecting a broader rise in US business activity across Scotland.
Also in Cumbernauld, Skyrora is propelling Scotland into the space age, designing and testing rockets and engines at its 55,000-square-foot facility dedicated to the next generation of launch technology. Derek Harris, Director of Business Development and Communications at Skyrora stated, “We moved our main manufacturing operation to North Lanarkshire, bringing high-value manufacturing jobs to the local community. They’re genuine, hardworking, salt-of-the-earth people who take pride in what they do. We’ve also had tremendous support from the council.”
For investors, North Lanarkshire delivers access and alignment as a strategically connected European base. Just as crucial, investors encounter a local government that behaves less like a gatekeeper and more like a partner, removing barriers, tailoring programs, and co-designing strategies for sustainable, long-term success. Murray concluded, “North Lanarkshire is not just open for business; it’s ready for collaboration. If investors are looking for a European base that offers scale, access, and ambition, we’re ready.”
For more information visit: investinnorthlanarkshire.co.uk
