opportunity for Glasgow to become the city of our time on the issue of our time. It cannot be over- stated; the economic is indivisible from the environmental and the social.” She said Scotland needs


to replace its old industries before they become obsolete, making this fair for everyone and, with thousands of skilled jobs required, this must be planned for to ensure the conversion of Glasgow’s homes and communities to a low- emission future. ScottishPower is already quantifying the new jobs that will be required to transition Scotland to a net zero carbon economy. While talking up the city’s


achievements, including its high levels of academic attainment and graduate retention levels, Councillor Aitken acknowledged the impact of continuing austerity and Brexit uncertainty. Stating that “absolutely nothing has happened to allay my fears about the impact of Brexit”, she stressed the need for Glasgow to continue building relationships within Europe and beyond. Later in the morning, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Economy and Fair Work revealed the Scottish Government’s intention to ensure that the River Clyde plays a key role in Scotland’s future economic success. The so-called Clyde Mission seeks to boost the river’s traditional strengths in shipping, shipbuilding, and marine engineering, while aiming to help new sectors flourish and breathe life into derelict land alongside the waterway. It will also aim to attract fresh investment, building on major projects coming to fruition on the back of the £500 million Glasgow City Region City Deal. Reinforcing the points made by


Councillor Aitken, he said that climate change will be at the heart of the strategy, and pledged measures to protect the Clyde ‘corridor’ from flooding, and to ensure the river can be used more by residents and visitors. He highlighted the Queen’s Quay


regeneration project on the site of the former John Brown shipyard in Clydebank, which plans to use water drawn from the river to heat homes, and moves by Glasgow-based Malin Group to revive marine engineering on the riverside in Old Kilpatrick. He emphasised that tackling inequality would be part of the drive. Around 115,000 people live within 500 metres on either side of river, with 30,000 firms supporting 160,000 jobs in the area. But he added: “One in four of the population who live in those areas are within the 15 per cent most deprived in Scotland. When we are looking at the Clyde strategy, inclusive growth is so important.”


He said there are 250 sites of vacant and derelict land, spanning 400 hectares, which ministers hope to


www.glasgowchamberofcommerce.com 21


There remains scope to refine our strategic thinking about how the sometimes disparate elements of the city economy can be connected more effectively”


capitalise on. He said preparing those areas for the effects of climate change, including defences against flooding, must be part of the strategy. The blueprint comes shortly after


the Scottish Government was forced to intervene to nationalise the Ferguson yard in Port Glasgow, following a bitter dispute between industrialist Jim McColl, of former owner Clyde Blowers Capital, and Caledonian Maritime Assets, over an order for two ferries. The conference heard from two of the


city’s top academics, Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, of the University of Glasgow, and Professor Sir Jim McDonald, of the University of Strathclyde. They highlighted the international credentials


of the city’s universities and colleges, and the milestone of creating innovation districts. But they stressed the need for more collaboration between firms, academia and government agencies. Professor Muscatelli said: “There remains scope for greater collaboration, both within and between sectors, and indeed across this whole city, to refine our strategic thinking about how the sometimes disparate elements of the city economy can be connected more effectively.” Professor McDonald held out hope


for a more “enlightened” approach to immigration to ensure that those who come to Scotland to study can stay and join the workforce after graduating.


Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli FRSE AcSS, Principal and Vice- Chancellor, University of Glasgow


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