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SPATIAL PERSPECTIVES
247. This section relates the vision to 2030 to the broad natural zones of Scotland to provide spatial perspectives for the Central Belt, East Coast, Highlands and Islands, Ayrshire and the South-West and Southern Scotland. The perspectives address spatial issues of national importance which cut across city-region and local authority boundaries, to provide a context for development planning and the ongoing activities of the Scottish Government, key agencies and local authorities. They will be further developed in relation to the marine environment in the light of forthcoming marine legislation.
248. The Central Belt and the East Coast are the dominant strategic corridors of communications for the Lowlands. The Highlands and Islands have unique environmental and cultural resources offering very substantial opportunities for sustainable growth. Ayrshire and the South West play an important role as Scotland's western gateway. In the South of Scotland a distinctive identity, high environmental quality and proximity to markets in England and Ireland are assets with great economic potential.
249. The Clyde Corridor, West Edinburgh, the Inverness - Nairn Corridor and the Upper Forth are areas where major change is taking place and the scale and complexity of the issues to be addressed means that co-ordinated action is needed in the national interest.
CENTRAL BELT
City Collaboration
250. Edinburgh and Glasgow are Scotland's principal centres of business and culture and key international gateways. The relationship between them is recognised as being of vital importance and, together with Scottish Enterprise, the two cities are working to make Central Scotland a globally important centre of economic activity. To achieve this, the two cities need to be linked by a fast, efficient, high quality transport system and well connected to their surrounding regions and world markets. The electrification of the rail line between Glasgow and Edinburgh, the opening of the Airdrie - Bathgate line, expanded airports with new surface rail links, the M74 Extension and the M8 and M80 motorway enhancements are important contributions to strengthening Central Belt connectivity.
Edinburgh Waterfront
251. In the north of the capital, the Edinburgh Waterfront Partnership is taking forward one of the largest urban regeneration projects in Europe. The population of the area is projected to increase by approximately 70,000 over the next 15 years. Some 680 ha. of land around Leith and Granton will be redeveloped to provide some 30,000 new homes, including much-needed affordable housing; new commercial and business locations; a new further education campus; and major new areas of public open space. The planning authority, housing providers and the construction industry will need to respond to the major challenge of delivering these proposals over the coming years. The City Council plans to have the first part of its projected tram network, the line between the Waterfront and Edinburgh Airport, operational by 2011.
West Edinburgh
252. Realising the potential of West Edinburgh as an internationally competitive business location is a key priority. The West Edinburgh Planning Framework addresses issues of congestion and connectivity and the integration of land use and transport. Scottish Enterprise is promoting the development of an International Business Gateway immediately to the south of Edinburgh Airport, providing a prime office location for businesses serving international markets. The relocation of the Royal Highland Show Ground will facilitate airport enhancement.
East Central Scotland
253. There will be a need to accommodate a substantial growth in the number of households in the Edinburgh city region and the Upper Forth area over the next 25 years. Exceptionally high house and residential land prices in Edinburgh are in part a reflection of a growing imbalance between demand and supply. A priority objective for the planning system is to ensure that the supply of development land is adequate, that major sites identified for housing are made available in good time, and that more affordable housing is made available. Investment will be needed in transport and environmental infrastructure, including new sewerage to support planned development to the east of the city.
254. Efforts are being directed towards consolidating the reputation of the Edinburgh city region as a science and technology hub supporting world-class research and innovation. The BioQuarter at Little France is establishing the region as one of the world's top ten centres for the commercialisation of biomedical research. Priority is being given to developing the complementarity of the locations which make up the Lothian Science Zone and improving the connectivity of the gateway facilities at Edinburgh Airport, Grangemouth and Rosyth.
Clyde Waterfront
255. In the West, economic development and regeneration are focused on the Clyde Corridor. On the Clyde Waterfront, the area from Glasgow Green to the Erskine Bridge is in the process of being transformed. £5.6 billion of public and private sector investment is creating new residential areas and a variety of business and leisure facilities on the riverside. A flood management strategy has been prepared and requirements for new flood defences identified. The Broomielaw and Tradeston are attracting high quality mixed use commercial, leisure and residential development. In Finnieston, permission has been granted for a sustainable urban village and indoor arena in association with the renewal of the SECC. The world-class media facilities on Pacific Quay, incorporating the new headquarters for BBC Scotland and Scottish Television, create the potential for Scotland to become a globally significant player in television and film production for the English-speaking world and the Celtic diaspora.
256. Access to the Waterfront needs to be improved if its full potential is to be realised. The Clyde Arc bridge has improved connectivity in the Pacific Quay and SECC redevelopment areas and is future-proofed to allow it to accommodate a Light Rapid Transit ( LRT) system. The City Council's Clyde Fastlink will run along the north bank of the Clyde between the City Centre and Glasgow Harbour, with stops at the International Financial Services District, the SECC and the new Transport Museum. A new bridge between the Broomielaw and Tradeston will help to promote regeneration on the south bank of the river. Opportunities for developing open space networks and promoting water-based recreation and business activity have been identified.
257. In Renfrewshire, a new community is emerging at Ferry Village, between Braehead and Renfrew. Further down river, the Riverside Inverclyde Urban Regeneration Company is creating new employment opportunities and improving the quality of housing and the environment in Greenock and Port Glasgow. In Greenock, permission has been granted for a major marina and residential development at Victoria Harbour and East India Docks. Container traffic through Greenock is growing and the town is increasingly popular as port of call for cruise ships. On the north side of the river, 170 acres of waterfront and town centre land are being redeveloped at Clydebank. Improvements are needed in rail infrastructure and the quality of stations. New ferry services could improve links between the City Centre and waterfront communities at Clydebank and on the Renfrew and Inverclyde Riversides.
258. The Clyde's rich maritime heritage and the outstanding environmental assets of the Firth of Clyde and the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park provide the basis for a growing tourism and leisure economy in areas to the west of Glasgow, such as Inverclyde and West Dunbartonshire. Good links through Glasgow to the rest of Scotland will be crucial in making this happen.
Clyde Gateway
259. The Clyde Gateway in the south-east of the Glasgow Conurbation is Scotland's top regeneration priority. The east side of the city together with adjoining parts of South Lanarkshire contain some of our poorest communities and large concentrations of vacant and derelict land close by areas experiencing strong economic growth. Committed investment in transport infrastructure will transform the accessibility of the area creating major new opportunities for economic development and environmental improvement. Over the next 20 years some £1.6 billion will be invested to bring 856 acres of derelict and contaminated land back into use. Dalmarnock will accommodate a 5,000-seat National Indoor Sports Arena, a 1,500-seat velodrome, and other facilities for the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Implementation of the Glasgow Strategic Drainage Plan is crucial to the successful delivery of these projects and will be complemented by strategic green network improvements.
Making the Connections
260. Good transport connections have led to Gartcosh being identified as the preferred location for long-term expansion to the east of Glasgow. The suitability of Bishopton as a community growth area on the west side of the city has been the subject of an examination in public. Gartcosh, Ravenscraig and Eurocentral are key locations for regeneration and renewal in North Lanarkshire. In August 2007, Scottish Ministers announced that a new publicly operated prison should proceed at Bishopbriggs. Settlement restructuring associated with the establishment of a new town centre at Ravenscraig will create new residential neighbourhoods, provide new economic opportunities, improve the quality of the environment and services and promote more sustainable access patterns in that part of Lanarkshire. Reopening the rail line between Airdrie and Bathgate will make both of these towns attractive locations for new development and this offers opportunities for creating higher quality urban environments. There is also a need to realise the potential offered by Motherwell's location on the West Coast main rail line.
261. The towns of Central Scotland need good public transport links to provide access to jobs in Glasgow and Edinburgh and to make them attractive locations for new business investment. There is a need for improved interchange and park-and-ride facilities. and potential for the development of commuter ferry services on the Forth and Clyde.
262. Strengthening rail and road links across the Central Belt will support the development of the gateway ports of Grangemouth and Rosyth and help to create a more attractive freight route between Ireland and the Continent. The potential for port-related activities at Rosyth to expand must be safeguarded. Falkirk Council is working with Forth Ports and BP to identify measures to protect the port, petrochemical complex and residential areas at Grangemouth from coastal flooding, taking account of the likely impacts of climate change.
Green Network
263. The Glasgow and the Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership is taking forward a programme of greenspace enhancement designed to promote healthier lifestyles, better environments, greater biodiversity, stronger communities and economic opportunity. Priority is being given to key urban regeneration areas such as the Clyde Waterfront, the Clyde Gateway, Gartcosh/Gartloch, Ravenscraig, Inverclyde, Ferguslie Park and Govan. The Central Scotland Forest and renewal focused on the Forth and Clyde and Union Canals are helping to transform the environment in the area between Glasgow and Edinburgh. Effective co-ordination of these initiatives to create a Central Scotland Green Network offers the opportunity to effect a step change in environmental quality, woodland cover and recreational opportunities. It will make Central Scotland a more attractive place to live and do business, help to absorb CO 2 and promote healthier, more active lifestyles.
EAST COAST
264. The first NPF identified the East Coast corridor between Aberdeen and Newcastle as offering opportunities to develop knowledge economy links based on the expertise associated with the energy and offshore industries and the universities of Aberdeen, Dundee, St. Andrews, Edinburgh and Newcastle. The road crossing at Queensferry is a vital strategic link on that corridor and the Scottish Government is taking forward its replacement as a matter of priority. There are opportunities to develop North Sea and Baltic trade and coastal shipping connections. The Fife Energy Park at Methil provides important strategic capacity in the fields of offshore and renewable energy technology. Potential investments in transport infrastructure to reduce road and rail journey times along the corridor are being considered as part of the Strategic Transport Projects Review. Measures to strengthen the East Coast Corridor will be taken forward in the strategic development plans for the Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh city regions.
265. With employment in the oil and gas industry now past its peak, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire are applying their energy sector and offshore strengths to the development of renewable and clean energy technologies. Aberdeen is focusing on strengthening its role as Scotland's northern gateway and broadening its economic base. The City Council is focusing on improving the quality of the environment in the city centre and developing cultural and recreational facilities to create a more vibrant social scene. There is scope for attracting more tourists to the city and expanding the service sector, including financial services. The city's role as a regional media centre provides a base from which to build a larger creative sector.
266. Dundee has made great strides in improving the quality of the city centre, enhancing cultural facilities and establishing new centres of expertise in key areas of the knowledge economy. Many young people come to the city for further education. A key challenge is to create the opportunities which allow a higher proportion of them to stay. The strategy for the Dundee city region is to promote regeneration, neighbourhood renewal and further improvements to the quality of urban living within the city boundary. A masterplan has been prepared for the regeneration of the Central Waterfront and the City Council and Scottish Enterprise are promoting high amenity business and residential development in the Western Gateway. There is a need to improve public transport services to growth centres such as the Digital Media Campus, the Tech Park, the Medipark and the Scottish Crop Research Unit. Reducing the rail journey time to Edinburgh to under an hour would help to attract more high value jobs to the city.
267. Stirling and Perth lie at strategic points on Scotland's transport network. Their accessibility and the quality of environment they offer make them attractive locations for development. Perthshire and Stirlingshire have important links with the Glasgow and Edinburgh city regions and provide the interface between Lowland and Highland Scotland. Angus and eastern Perthshire have strong links to Dundee and there is scope for developing complementary roles for Dundee and Perth as the main centres on the Tay. For Fife, good connections with Edinburgh and Dundee are important. There is potential for building on the international profile of St. Andrews as a leisure destination and centre of academic excellence.
268. The small and medium-sized towns of the East Coast are important local service centres. Peterhead is the North Sea's largest white fish port, provides logistical support for the North Sea oil and gas industry and is handling an increasing number of cruise vessels. A new prison will be built in the Peterhead area to replace the existing prisons at Peterhead and Aberdeen. The port of Montrose provides import and export services for agricultural and oil-related businesses and is a base for oil rig support vessels.
269. The corridor boasts many important coastal and estuarine habitats, including dune systems, tidal mudflats and sea cliffs. Other environmental assets include fine farming landscapes, deciduous woodland and attractive historic burghs and fishing villages. The conservation and sensitive management of these features is critical to the identity, biodiversity and quality of life of the area. They also offer many opportunities for leisure, recreation and tourism. Local authorities are working to create a long-distance coastal footpath linked to heritage features and businesses as Scotland's contribution to Europe's North Sea Trail.
HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS
270. HIE considers that half a million is a realistic population target for the Highlands and Islands, an increase of around 15% on the population in 2005. The provision of development infrastructure will be an important issue where substantial increases in population and households are projected. There is a need to develop models of sustainable development which are applicable to the geography and settlement pattern of the area, including the needs of island and crofting communities.
271. Within this context of growth, Inverness needs to develop its role as the Highland capital, broaden its economic base, improve its connections to Scotland's other cities and the rest of the world, and attract a wider range of high quality jobs. The city is home to Scottish Natural Heritage and its Centre for Health Science is contributing to Scotland's strength in biomedical research.
272. The A96 corridor between Inverness and Nairn is the main focus of growth in the Inner Moray Firth. Highland Council's A96 Corridor Development Framework includes proposals designed to accommodate an additional 30,000 people in the area over 35 years. These include the creation of a new settlement at Tornagrain, significant expansion at Nairn and to the East of Inverness, a residential and marina development at Whiteness. Development on this scale will require the upgrading of the A96, improvements in public transport services, substantial investment in water and drainage infrastructure and the creation of supporting green infrastructure. The strategic transport partnerships for the Highlands and the North-East have worked with Transport Scotland on a study of the Inverness to Aberdeen transport corridor which will inform the Strategic Transport Projects Review.
273. Energy has an important part to play in the future of the Highlands and Islands. Substantial reinforcements of the electricity transmission system are needed to realise the potential of renewable energy resources, including sub-sea cables for Kintyre and the Argyll islands, an underground cable between Beauly and Ullapool and new interconnectors for the island archipelagos. Projects being developed at the European Marine Energy Centre on Orkney place Scotland at the forefront of marine energy research. Highland Council's renewable energy strategy identifies East Sutherland, Easter Ross and the Monadhliaths as preferred areas for major windfarms. The Lerwick district heating scheme is a pioneering example of the application of energy from waste technology. The UK Atomic Energy Authority's facilities at Dounreay in Caithness are developing expertise in nuclear decommissioning and environmental restoration. The Government is committed to addressing the economic and social impacts of the decommissioning of Dounreay.
274. In partnership with other agencies, Highland Council has prepared a strategy for the development of ports and sites in the Inner Moray Firth. The Cromarty Firth provides service base facilities and sheltered moorings for the offshore oil and gas industry and Invergordon is a regular port of call for cruise vessels. The fabrication yard at Nigg has potential as a facility for decommissioning oil and gas installations and for the manufacture and support services required by the renewable energy industry. Its deep water is an asset of strategic importance. A feasibility study funded by the Government has concluded that there is considerable potential for transporting freight, including timber, on the Caledonian Canal.
275. The sheltered deep water of Scapa Flow is a major strategic asset. In collaboration with HIE and with the involvement of the Crown Estate, Orkney Islands Council is pursuing the potential for a container transhipment terminal at Lyness on Hoy.
276. Fort William's recent success in hosting the world mountain-biking championships secured international media coverage of the attractions of Lochaber. The redevelopment of Fort William's waterfront will substantially improve environmental quality and amenity in the town, helping to strengthen its role as a national centre for outdoor activities.
277. Targeted support will continue to be needed in areas such as Caithness and some of the islands, which are still experiencing decline. The challenge in the remoter areas is to replicate the successes already achieved in places like Skye and Mull. Through the fragile areas programme, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and local authorities are giving particular attention to the needs of the Outer Hebrides, North Skye, the outlying islands of Orkney and Shetland, the Argyll islands and the remote west mainland (see Map 9). The Government is pursuing the introduction of Road Equivalent Tariff ( RET) for ferry services and seeking to improve access and connectivity by promoting innovation on existing ferry routes and new or shorter crossings to the islands.
278. HIE suggests that the human and natural resources of Scotland's islands should be seen as an 'arc of opportunity' paralleling the 'arc of prosperity' represented by Ireland, Iceland, and Norway. Our islands possess considerable social capital, with high participation rates in community and voluntary activities. The transformation which has occurred on Gigha demonstrates the potential of community-based enterprise. Remote and island areas function differently from urban and other rural areas. Island towns such as Lerwick, Kirkwall, Stornoway and Portree have service functions more usually associated with much larger settlements. Measures are needed to protect communities, habitats and archaeological sites from coastal flooding. Laying fibre optic cables in conjunction with the sub-sea interconnectors to the Shetland Islands, Orkney and the Outer Hebrides would extend digital connectivity to the islands.
279. The first National Planning Framework highlighted the economic and demographic challenges facing the Outer Hebrides and the opportunities offered by renewable and other energy resources. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is promoting Stornoway's Western Harbour as an Energy Portal for the Outer Hebrides. The harbour would provide the landfall for a sub-sea interconnector to the mainland. Relocation of oil and gas import and storage facilities to the Western Harbour will facilitate the release of a substantial area of land for redevelopment on the town's waterfront. The harbours of the Outer Hebrides might also have a role to play in the development of North Atlantic oil and gas reserves.
280. The Outer Hebrides are the principal heartland of Scotland's Gaelic culture and offer outstanding scenery and maritime habitats of international importance. With 40% of the land area now under community control and 70% of the population living on community-owned land, there is great potential for community-based enterprise. There are large international markets for Celtic culture, built heritage and environmental tourism. Realising the potential of the islands will demand co-ordinated action focused on measures to diversify and grow the economy, create high value jobs, retain and attract population, and improve connectivity and communications.
281. The Highlands and Islands contain the majority of Scotland's National Scenic Areas and substantial areas designated under the EU Habitats Directive to protect habitats and species of international importance. Scotland's National Parks protect some of our most precious natural heritage and make an important contribution to our tourism and leisure economy. The Highland area also has many outstanding archaeological sites, a varied built heritage and important cultural landscapes. These assets are essential aspects of the character and identity of the area and vital to its tourist economy. Glen Finglas and Loch Katrine in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park are the focus of the largest broadleaved woodland restoration project in Scotland. Knapdale Forest in Argyll is the favoured location for the trial reintroduction of the European beaver. The return of this species would make a significant contribution to the restoration of Scotland's natural ecology and create opportunities for eco-tourism. The area is traversed by three popular long-distance footpath routes, the West Highland Way, the Great Glen Way and the Speyside Way.
AYRSHIRE AND THE SOUTH-WEST
282. Ayrshire and the South-West are an important gateway for Scotland. The aim must be to build on the success of Prestwick Airport, strengthen strategic transport corridors between Ireland and the Continent and realise the potential of deep-water assets at Hunterston. There is a need to improve rail and road links to secure better integration with the Central Belt.
283. To date, Ayrshire has been less successful than some other areas in securing knowledge economy investment to replace the jobs lost in traditional industries. The Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan, Growing a Sustainable Ayrshire, identifies a core area around the towns of Ayr, Irvine and Kilmarnock as having the greatest potential to attract new investment. The transport corridors linking Prestwick Airport and the ports of Ayr, Troon and Hunterston with the main urban centres of the Central Belt provide good locations for developing clusters of export-oriented industries and a stronger service sector.
284. The improved link to the Glasgow Conurbation provided by the M77 has acted as a catalyst for new residential development in the Kilmarnock area. Transport Scotland is working with Network Rail to provide an extended loop between Dunlop and Stewarton to allow a half-hourly rail service between Glasgow and Kilmarnock. With the loss of its traditional industries, Kilmarnock is increasingly functioning as a dormitory for the Glasgow Conurbation. The challenge is to identify a new economic role. The regeneration policy statement, People and Place, recognised the need to reinvigorate its town centre.
285. Arran and parts of the Ayrshire coast already have a successful tourism and leisure economy. The area's good international links provide opportunities for the further development of cultural, business and activity-based tourism. The Irvine Bay Urban Regeneration Company is working to find new economic uses for land zoned for business and industry and broaden the range of recreational opportunities in the area. The masterplan for the area includes proposals for new residential development around Irvine harbour, a new marina at Ardrossan, an eco-village and watersports centre at Stevenston and an energetics cluster on the Ardeer peninsula, as well as seafront improvements and the creation of new woodland.
286. Action is needed to improve environmental quality in the former mining areas of East Ayrshire. Upland areas offer opportunities for renewable energy developments, including biomass production. The Ayrshire and Arran Woodland Strategy places emphasis on the potential for enhancing landscape quality and biodiversity and creating multi-purpose woodlands which benefit local communities and offer employment in planting, management and downstream activities.
287. For the South-West, proximity to Ireland and Cumbria offer substantial business opportunities, particularly in tourism and leisure. There is potential for developing the area's strengths in forestry and quality produce and as a place to live and work. Strengthening the role of Dumfries as the main regional centre and transport hub will benefit the whole of the South-West. Efforts need to be directed towards improving the quality and vitality of the town centre, building on existing cultural and physical assets. There is a need to reconnect the town centre with the riverfront and improve links with the Crichton University Campus. The success of Wigtown Book Town and its Festival, the Newton Stewart Walking Festival and the lively arts and cultural scene in Kirkcudbright highlights the potential for the thematic branding and marketing of the area's attractive environment and historic small towns.
288. The Government has provided funding for the construction of a new railhead at Barrhill in Ayrshire. The new facility, located on the edge of the Galloway Forest Park, will take pressure off fragile local roads and allow timber harvested locally to be moved by rail to destinations in Ayr, Troon, Carlisle and Wales.
289. Plans for the regeneration of the Stranraer waterfront may have to be adjusted following the decision of Stena Line to abandon its plans to relocate its ferry services to Cairnryan.
SOUTH OF SCOTLAND
290. The South of Scotland is strategically well placed on the major road and rail routes between Scotland and England. The South of Scotland Competitiveness Strategy 2007-2013 seeks to promote the area as a vibrant rural economy exploiting its proximity to the cities of Belfast, Carlisle, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Newcastle. Opportunities lie in economic diversification and strengthening the knowledge economy, building on the rich environment and cultural heritage of the area, adding value to primary assets, the large potential for renewable energy development, quality produce, and the design skills associated with the textiles and electronics industries. The higher and further education facilities at Crichton Campus in Dumfries and Heriot-Watt University's Borders Campus in Galashiels will be key economic drivers.
291. The improvement of transport links to the Borders will create new development opportunities and allow the area to accommodate some of the household growth projected in the East of Scotland. Significant investment in water and drainage infrastructure is needed to support the new development associated with the reopening of the Borders rail line.
292. Market Towns Investment Programmes are being developed to ensure that the towns of the Borders and Dumfries and Galloway are attractive, competitive places. Dumfries town centre, Stranraer waterfront and the Gretna-Lockerbie-Annan area are the subject of major regeneration initiatives.
293. The Southern Uplands Partnership is promoting the integration of environmental, social and economic land use policies to keep people living and working in the upland areas. Improvements in transport infrastructure will be needed to cope with the volume of timber generated by the increased levels of harvesting from commercial forests. The Borders Forest Trust is promoting the expansion of native woodland through innovative projects such as new community woodlands, the restoration floodplain habitats in the Ettrick Marshes and the Wildwood project at Carrifran in the Moffat Hills. Dumfries and Galloway Council and SNH are preparing joint visions for the National Scenic Areas of the Solway Firth as a guide for future management.
294. The river catchments of the South of Scotland offer particular attractions for game fishing. The coastal areas and rich built heritage of the Borders and Dumfries and Galloway also provide many opportunities for tourism and recreation. The Southern Upland Way is an increasingly popular coast-to-coast walking route. The Seven Stanes network of mountain-biking centres is proving a major attraction for devotees of this increasingly popular outdoor sport. Improving the environmental quality of the M74 corridor could open up significant economic and recreational opportunities related to this important gateway route.
295. The recent closure of the nuclear power station at Chapelcross near Annan offers opportunities to develop business excellence in Magnox reactor decommissioning.
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