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The Freight Facilities Grants (FFG) is intended to bring about a number of benefits from the removal of freight from roads to other modes of transport. This includes but is not limited to emissions reduction.

Detailed below is a table containing Freight Facilities Grant awards linked to the development of intermodal transport facilities with the commodities that were removed from being transported by container from road onto rail or water instead.

No applications for a Freight Facilities Grant have been rejected between 2021 and January 2025.

To date, no applications under Freight Facilities Grant have been received specifically promoting low carbon or zero emission solutions. However, the movement of freight by rail rather than road, especially over long distances, can result in lower emissions.

Any company which wants to move freight by rail or water rather than by road and which is proposing to invest in new freight handling facilities in Scotland or re-invest in existing facilities in Scotland may apply for FFG. Before making a formal application for FFG, a company is expected to approach Transport Scotland who will be able to give informal advice on whether, and to what extent, a freight facility may be eligible for FFG.

On receipt of the formal application, Transport Scotland may decide to seek independent engineering advice to examine the design and specification of the project. The costs of this will be borne by Transport Scotland. A visit to the site of the proposed facility, by Transport Scotland and by its appointed consultant, will be necessary.

Since the introduction of the scheme in 1997, applications have typically taken between 3-6 months to complete. However, it can take longer depending upon the complexity of the proposal and the time taken by the applicant to supply the information.

The application process for FFG is currently under review ahead of potential awards in financial year 2025-26.

With all applications, Transport Scotland officials are available to discuss any proposal and provide assistance on what information should be included in an application and what evidence is required prior to any formal decision being made on awarding a grant.

To date, no applicant has applied for a grant under the Freight Facilities Grant with the specific purpose of supporting the transition to greener technologies such as alternative fuels.

The Freight Facilities Grant scheme is demand-led. All applications are assessed on their own merits. There is no specific consideration given to freight in urban areas.

Freight Facilities Grant (FFG) was introduced in recognition that taking freight off roads and moving it by rail or water can have environmental and wider social benefits but can be more expensive.

To date, no applicant has sought to include within an award of Freight Facilities Grant the integration of digital technologies as a specific element of a funded project.