SUSTAINABLE GROWTH 
Higher sustainable economic growth is the key priority, and the Government is determined that growth should benefit the whole of society and should not come at the expense of our environment.
The Government wants Scotland to be the best place in Europe to do business. This means a Scotland that is well connected economically, physically, digitally and intellectually to the rest of the world.
If our cities are to be competitive places attracting high value jobs and creative people, they must be well connected and able to offer distinctive, high quality environments and a first class quality of life. Successful cities need to be supported by strong regions well connected to urban facilities. We need an approach to city region development which promotes economic growth, environmental quality, connectivity, regional and local distinctiveness and the efficient and sustainable use of resources. Development patterns must be robust in relation to long-term climate change.
Key locations which have been identified as offering substantial strategic growth potential are the Clyde Waterfront and Clyde Gateway, West Edinburgh, the Edinburgh Waterfront, the Upper Forth, the Dundee Waterfront, the Inverness to Nairn Corridor and the Pentland Firth. The economic success of these areas depends on good links to the rest of Scotland and the wider world. It is therefore essential that investment in new or improved infrastructure reflects economic development priorities and the need to support sustainable growth.
The Government is committed to reducing regional disparities. This will involve targeted investment in connectivity and environmental quality to ensure that each part of Scotland is well placed to participate successfully in the modern economy. A more even spread of economic activity will help to relieve pressures in high growth areas such as Edinburgh, provide additional opportunities in areas such as Ayrshire, Inverclyde, West Dunbartonshire and Dundee, and improve the overall efficiency of the Scottish economy. Communities undergoing regeneration should enjoy good access to the opportunities created in strategic growth areas.
Realising the potential of people and places is at the heart of the Scottish Government's approach to regeneration. Successful regeneration demands a combination of economic development, housing and environmental investment, better public services, improved workforce skills, support for community involvement, a commitment to environmental quality and good design, and respect for local identity and the historic features which contribute to it.