Scotland: Maximising the Clyde’s potential

Opportunity to influence how the river and surrounding land is used.

Views are being gathered to help address the unique opportunities and challenges around the River Clyde.

The Clyde Mission, led by the Scottish Government, is seeking views on how it can maximise the river’s economic, social and environmental potential while tackling risks such as flooding.

Last year the Clyde Mission Fund provided more

than £11 million of funding for projects that will create jobs and benefit communities along the river.

A further £2.3 million has also been awarded to the Clyde Gateway to support the extension of the riverside Woodland Park at Cuningar Loop near Dalmarnock. The project will reclaim 8.5 hectares of vacant and derelict land that has been unused for 50 years and turn it into an extended park providing quality, accessible green space along the river.

Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop said:

“It’s our goal to make the river an engine of sustainable and inclusive growth for Glasgow, the region and Scotland.

“We want to understand the priorities and ambitions of people and organisations connected to the river. Whether you live or work in the area, this is your opportunity to influence the Clyde Mission’s development and future plans.

“The river presents challenges as well as opportunities and we want to hear ideas on themes including jobs, skills and how best to bring land back into productive use through projects like the Cuningar Loop Woodland Park, which benefits communities and the environment.”

Ian Manson, Chief Executive of the Clyde Gateway, said:

"We are delighted to welcome Clyde Mission's funding to unlock this next stage of investment. Cuningar Loop Woodland Park has been a focal point for Clyde Gateway, and as well as providing an immediate jobs boost in terms of construction, it will help address issues of health inequality, educational attainment and social capital which have been further impacted by COVID-19."

Background

The Call for Ideas is now live and will close on 29 March 2021.

The Clyde Mission is led by the Scottish Government with partners from the public and private sectors. It focuses on using the land immediately adjacent to the river (within around 500m) as a national strategic asset and follows the Clyde from its origins in the Lowther hills through to the opening of the river between Gourock and Dunoon.

In December 2020, the Economy Secretary announced funding for 12 projects through the Clyde Mission Fund.