Scotland should have its own independent, specialist body to provide strategic advice on infrastructure, a review has concluded. In a report released today, the Infrastructure Commission for Scotland said the new organisation is needed to “enable an inclusive, net-zero carbon economy and to develop a 30-year infrastructure strategy that is reinforced by a long-term-needs assessment”. The commission, a body set up for an 18-month period to make recommendations for the next 30 years, said the new advisory body “would sit outside the political decision-making system to enable it to operate in an arms-length and transparent way”. By doing so it would build confidence across the public and private sectors, the report said. It recommended against the creation of a Scottish National Infrastructure Company, a policy previously championed by SNP members, which aims to reduce private sector involvement in delivery of major projects. The commission said this idea would not enhance Scotland’s future infrastructure plans. Infrastructure Commission for Scotland chair Ian Russell said: “Infrastructure has a vital role to play in the delivery of an inclusive, net-zero carbon economy and COVID-19 has amplified the need for urgent action and change for economic, social and natural infrastructure. “The commission is recommending that an independent, specialist body be given responsibility for providing government with strategic, long-term infrastructure advice.” Cabinet secretary for infrastructure Michael Matheson said: “Infrastructure will play a critical role in the years ahead as we plan our strategic economic recovery from the pandemic. “I am grateful to the Infrastructure Commission for their hard work – no doubt made more challenging in recent months – to produce this comprehensive second report on the delivery of infrastructure. We shall now take time to consider its findings very carefully.”