Lanarkshire Named Latest UK AI Growth Zone, Bringing Jobs and Investment to Scotland
The Scottish county of Lanarkshire has been designated as the UK’s newest AI Growth Zone, a government initiative to support strategic development in artificial intelligence and related infrastructure.
Located in the Central Lowlands around the town of Airdrie, the Lanarkshire AI Growth Zone will be developed by Scottish data centre firm DataVita in partnership with US cloud provider CoreWeave. The project forms part of the UK government’s wider AI Opportunities Action Plan and aims to boost both regional and national economic growth.
Officials say the initiative could create more than 3,400 jobs over the coming years. Around 800 of these are expected to be high-value roles in AI research, engineering, coding and data-centre operations, while the remainder will support construction and related work. At least 50 apprenticeships are planned to help train local residents in skills that are in growing demand.
The project is backed by approximately £8.2 billion in private investment, one of the largest technology investments ever announced in Scotland. In addition, a £543 million community fund will support local programmes over the next 15 years, helping with training, cost-of-living support and other community services.
The AI Growth Zone is expected to benefit Lanarkshire and central Scotland by revitalising the local economy, improving access to skilled work, and strengthening the UK’s position as a global hub for AI innovation.
