The new Clyde
Waterfront Heritage website has been launched along with an
accompanying heritage guide as part of a major new initiative by
the Clyde Waterfront Partnership. The initiative is designed to
attract thousands of visitors to discover the rich history of the
River Clyde. Mirroring the two faces of the Clyde, old and new, the
catchline for the accompanying ad campaign is 'There are two
Clydes to every story."
Initially, 25,000 copies of the Clyde Waterfront Heritage Guide
will be printed and distributed across Central Scotland to other
visitor attractions and tourist information centres. An outdoor
advertising campaign to promote the Guide will run throughout the
remainder of March and April, featuring 48 and 4 sheet posters at
main rail stations, 250 posters on board commuter trains and 100
bus sides and rears.
The Heritage Guide is the latest initiative from Clyde
Waterfront, the public sector partnership established to
support the River Clyde's revitalisation as a world class
waterfront location, through a projected £5-6 billion of public and
private investment in economic, social and environmental
regeneration projects.
Launched in the year of Homecoming Scotland, the Clyde
Waterfront partners believe there is huge potential to increase
visitor numbers to the Clyde, whether it is first time visitors to
the city, locals who want to find out more about what's on their
own doorstep or those Scots who emigrated years ago coming home to
witness the transformation taking place on the banks of the
Clyde.
Visitors and locals alike are encouraged to explore the Clyde's
great heritage by land, sea and air including exhilarating means of
travel such as Seaforce power boats or the River Clyde seaplane
service, one of only a few in the world to land and take off
close to a city centre.
In a major drive to attract thousands of visitors to discover
the rich history of the River Clyde, a new Heritage Guide has been
launched today (March 23rd 2009) by the Clyde Waterfront
Partnership.
Launch of the Heritage Guide links closely to the forthcoming
introduction in May of another Clyde Waterfront initiative,
'Classroom on the Clyde' which will offer subsidised school trips
on the Clyde aboard the MV Cruiser, currently being fitted out with
a host of educational resources.
The strategic partners behind Clyde Waterfront are the Scottish
Government, Glasgow City Council, Renfrewshire Council, West
Dunbartonshire Council and Scottish Enterprise. The project has
been accorded National Priority status and is a key driver of
Scotland's economic development in the 21st century.
Written by well known local historian, Dr Evelyn Silber, the
Heritage Guide was launched at one of its many recommended visitor
attractions, the Clydebuilt Museum at Braehead in Renfrewshire.
Speaking at the launch, Councillor Steven Purcell, leader of
Glasgow City Council and chair of the Clyde Waterfront Strategic
Partnership said, "Successful regeneration involves linking the
past and the future and whether you are a first time visitor to the
area or a local with the Clyde on your doorstep, there is something
in this Guide for everyone. The Clyde Waterfront has undergone a
remarkable transformation in recent years as it gears up to meet
the needs of the modern economy. Alongside the spectacular new
developments that are taking place along the Clyde, this Guide
reminds us of how fascinating and significant the history of the
river really is. And, its publication supports Clyde Waterfront's
strategic vision to develop a vibrant and thriving river with
people and communities at its heart."
Scottish Government Minister for Housing and Communities Alex
Neil said, "The launch of the Heritage Guide is very timely,
linking the regeneration efforts along the river Clyde to the year
of Homecoming Scotland.
"2009 is a time to come home and to invite people home.
For those who might once have worked in the Clyde shipyards, or
emigrated on a ship that left from the Clyde; and who are planning
on returning home in 2009, the Guide will be a valuable
resource. It showcases the extent of the transformation that
has occurred along the Clyde Waterfront, while keeping alive the
history of this great river."
Renfrewshire Council Leader Derek Mackay said: "The face of
the river may have changed dramatically in recent years, but its
heritage is rightfully celebrated and incorporated alongside new
developments. This guide is a fantastic reminder of not
only the Clyde's past, but its present. The
Renfrewshire sites within the guide highlight how
we have sought to link old and new, from
the heritage artwork in Clyde View Park, to the
restoration of the historic Bascule Bridge and the riverside
walkway which links Braehead with the Renfrew Ferry.
These elements have reintroduced a previously forgotten Clyde to
residents and allow visitors to enjoy new developments while being
reminded of the importance of the river and its past.
"This guide shows just how far we have come in transforming the
fortunes of the Clyde, but also that we have successfully
incorporated the heritage of the river as regeneration has taken
place. This will continue in future development, supporting
our key aim of creating sustainable waterfront communities".
West Dunbartonshire Council Leader Iain Robertson, said, "I am
delighted that West Dunbartonshire's waterfront is part of this
hugely successful regeneration initiative. The 'two sides'
advertising campaign captures the Clyde's past and present
beautifully and I think the images that we have seen here today are
stunning. The Clyde is a hugely important part of our heritage,
both in West Dunbartonshire and nationally, and it is fantastic for
local communities to watch their waterfronts being transformed and
to be able to rediscover their own cultural past. Our waterways are
key to attracting visitors, reinvigorating our town centres and
generating long-term economic growth."
Liz Connolly, West Region Director of Operations, Scottish
Enterprise said, "The development of the Clyde Waterfront is taking
shape with substantial levels of public and private investment.
However, along with all the new development it is important to
remember that the 13 mile Clyde Waterfront is steeped in history
with a number of important heritage sites. The Heritage Guide and
'Visit the Clyde' Initiative recognise that there are 'Two Clydes
to every story' and it is hoped will attract visitors to the
area."