Plans to boost River Clyde area 'fantastic opportunity' says Scotland's Finance Secretary
Derek Mackay used a speech in Glasgow to reveal proposals are being developed aimed at maximising the economic potential of the river and its surroundings.
Plans to boost the areas around the River Clyde have been hailed as "a fantastic opportunity'' by Scotland's Finance Secretary.
Derek Mackay used a speech in Glasgow to reveal proposals are being developed aimed at maximising the economic potential of the river and its surroundings.
The Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise, councils, private firms and other agencies will all be involved in the work.
Mr Mackay said the project would build on the regeneration of the riverside over the last 10 to 15 years.
Ministers hope to strengthen the shipping, shipbuilding and marine engineering sectors, as well as to attract new investment.
They also want vacant and derelict land along the riverside to be brought into use, saying this will improve the area for both visitors and local communities.
Work to manage the risk of flooding in also included in the blueprint, as well as the prospect of using the river to help tackle climate change - with energy from the Clyde being used to heat surrounding homes.
Speaking at the State of the City Economy Conference in Glasgow, Mr Mackay said: The River Clyde has a long history of supporting the economy of Glasgow, the wider region and Scotland.
The last 10 to 15 years have seen significant public and private investment transforming the banks of the river and there is a strong pipeline of future investment, including projects funded through our £500 million commitment to the Glasgow City Region Deal.
This initiative will build on that success and aim to make better use of the river and surrounding land to help deliver our economic, social and environmental ambitions, and to bring benefits to local people and communities.''
Mr Mackay added: There is a fantastic opportunity to not only put the Clyde back at the centre of our economy and communities but also at the heart of our plans for a net-zero future.
I look forward to working closely with local authorities, public bodies and the private sector to achieve our ambitions for the Clyde.''
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