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The newly released Scotland’s AI strategy 2026–2031 sets out an ambitious vision, positioning AI as a trusted, economy-wide enabler across public services and industry.
What stands out is not just the strategy itself, but the fact that Scotland may already be well placed to deliver on it.
Why AI readiness matters
At the Public Sector Data & AI Summit 2026, hosted by Holyrood Events at Dynamic Earth, this became particularly clear.
During his opening remarks, Ivan McKee referenced findings from our AI readiness of UK local authorities (2025) report, led by Daniel Shorr, CEO of GoLLM, in collaboration with Luciana Blaha of Heriot-Watt University:
“A recent report from Heriot-Watt University and GoLLM shows that Scotland’s local authorities are amongst the most AI-ready in the UK, benefiting from shared standards and reserves of pooled expertise. It specifically identifies the capability provided by the Data Maturity Programme, and we should take the time to be proud of that and the progress each organisation has made.”
This recognition highlights why AI readiness is so critical.
It is not just about awareness or experimentation. It reflects whether institutions have the data, governance, and capability required to deploy AI effectively and responsibly. Without this foundation, even the strongest strategies struggle to translate into real outcomes.
From readiness to delivery
Our CEO, Daniel Shorr, also recently contributed as an AI expert to a Scottish Government-commissioned series of workshops assessing the potential for an AI cluster management organisation.
Delivering on national AI ambitions will require stronger coordination across government, industry, and academia.
Cluster models are designed to:
- accelerate adoption
- bridge research and real-world deployment
- provide structure for long-term impact
Bringing it together
There is a clear alignment emerging:
- a national strategy with strong intent
- a public sector that is already demonstrating readiness
- an ecosystem actively exploring how to coordinate and scale
This combination puts Scotland in a strong position to move forward with confidence.
Final thought
Scotland has both the vision and the foundations in place.
The opportunity now is to build on this readiness and ensure the right structures support delivery. With continued momentum, Scotland can turn its AI strategy into tangible outcomes across public services and the wider economy.