Sir Anton Muscatelli’s independent report calls for a radical rethink of Scotland’s economic strategy — shifting power to regions, prioritising growth, and tackling skills gaps. Will Holyrood listen?, asks Brian Wilson

The first point in favour of Sir Anton Muscatelli’s report on Scotland’s economic future is that it exists. For far too long, the absence of such a policy-based approach has obstructed delivery and caused massive frustration to those who try to get things done.

A second plus is the title – Independent Report on Regional Economic Development in Scotland. The key word is “regional” which is seriously under-used by our dear leaders compared to their preferred “national”. Just like anywhere else, Scotland is made up of very different regional strengths, weaknesses and potential.

The report reflects credit on Anas Sarwar for commissioning it and Anton Muscatelli for undertaking it on an independent basis. It contains so many home truths that it should be useful to anyone across the political spectrum with an interest in Scotland’s future.

Yet that key word “regional” poses a significant barrier for the current Holyrood administration since it logically follows that a great deal of power and decision-making should be ceded to “regional” bodies, similar to the successful metro regions of England, and to local authorities.

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“There was a remarkable degree of consensus and consistency on the need for improvement in how regional economic policy is designed and delivered in Scotland”, writes Muscatelli and an equally “consistent feeling........

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