Aspirations and Ambitions...our development opportunities July 2013
Contents 1.0 Introduction 1 2.0 General Guidance 3 3.0 National Park Authorities 8 Cairngorms National Park 8 Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park 9 4.0 Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire Authorities 10 Aberdeen City 10 Aberdeenshire 11 5.0 Glasgow & the Clyde Valley Authorities 12 East Dunbartonshire 12 East Renfrewshire 13 Glasgow City 14 Inverclyde 16 North Lanarkshire 17 Renfrewshire 19 South Lanarkshire 20 West Dunbartonshire 21 6.0 SESplan Authorities 23 City of Edinburgh 23 East Lothian 25 Fife (SESplan & TAYplan) 26 Midlothian 28 Scottish Borders 29 West Lothian 31 7.0 TAYplan Authorities 33 Angus 33 Dundee City 34 Fife (SESplan & TAYplan) 35 Perth & Kinross 37 8.0 planning authorities outwith SDP areas 39 Argyll & Bute 39 Clackmannanshire 41 Dumfries & Galloway 42 East Ayrshire 44 Eilean Sar 46 Falkirk 47 Highland 48 Moray 50 North Ayrshire 51 Orkney Islands 53 Shetland Islands 54 South Ayrshire 55 Stirling 57 Annex 1 List of Consultation Respondents Aspirations and Ambitions
Preface The visitor economy in Scotland supports many jobs across Scotland. For some, the visitor economy is a cornerstone of its local economy. Realising its growth potential to 2020 through the planning system is an important opportunity to grasp especially in our challenging economic climate. The Framework for Scotland: role of the planning system in delivering the Visitor Economy (the Framework) published by VisitScotland sets out the way forward to assist and promote growth in Scotland s visitor economy to 2020. It supports the national tourism strategy ( Scotland 2020) produced by the Leadership Group. The Framework sets out actions and provides guidance to help co-ordinate future development and growth in the visitor economy. Through a greater focus on co-ordination, the actions proposed by the Framework will help secure added value from future investment in infrastructure and promote engagement with the development plan system to realise future opportunities. As well as helping to align with the current infrastructure and other investment strategies in the public sector for the visitor economy, the consultation process identified future aspirations and ambitions of stakeholders working in the visitor economy for each development planning authority. These aspirations and ambitions are published in this Report, Aspirations and Ambitions our development opportunities. This Report presents these opportunities for each development planning authority (local planning authorities, strategic development planning authorities and national parks authorities) for consideration in emerging and future development plans across Scotland as a basis to examine existing tourism development strategies, updating community plans and single outcome agreements as required. Aspirations and Ambitions
1.0 Introduction 1.1 This Report identifies the development opportunities in the visitor economy which were identified during the consultation process for The Framework for Scotland: role of the planning system in delivering the Visitor Economy (the Framework). This consultation outcome brings together the aspirations and ambitions for the visitor economy at the local level. These opportunities are primarily identified by the local authority, with further input from other stakeholders involved in the tourism industry. 1.2 This Report presents a collation of the consultation responses (without comment or interpretation) relating to aspirations and ambitions relevant to the Framework for Scotland. 1.3 These aspirations and ambitions present all development planning authorities with the opportunity to formulate and aggregate development strategies for both the strategic and local planning level to stimulate the visitor economy. In due course, these aspirations and ambitions can also be adopted in future updates to the single outcome agreements and economic development strategies for councils as well as influencing tourism development strategies in development plans. 1.4 The Framework s Action on this matter is as follows: Aspirations and Ambitions Our Opportunities The Framework to 2020 sets out the actions to deliver the development strategy for growth in the visitor economy. It provides the broad framework within which specific tourism development opportunities can be promoted and supported at the local level. The Framework encourages the development planning authorities to consider formulating a spatial strategy at the local level where accommodation and attractions can be combined and themed to develop destinations on a wider or even regional scale to maximise the potential for attracting visitors. Opportunities for future development have been identified through the consultation process and have been incorporated into this Report - Aspirations and Ambitions: Our Opportunities. This information will allow the development planning authority to work with a wide range of local and national stakeholders to develop their individual responses to the Framework through emerging and future development plans and to determine whether there is market demand to support these development opportunities. Aspirations and Ambitions: Our Opportunities is the reference point for future opportunities in the visitor economy. ACTION VisitScotland recommends that development planning authorities, together with other local and national stakeholders, review the aspirations and ambitions for growth alongside the key priorities within Scotland 2020 and use this information to inform their emerging and future tourism development strategies in their development plans. 1.5 The consultation process and the views of 90 organisations and individuals in the visitor economy have informed the Framework. This included local authorities, leading agencies in the private sector along with Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish International, Scottish Enterprise, Historic Aspirations and Ambitions 1
Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage, Marine Scotland, Forestry Commission Scotland, Museums Galleries Scotland, Scotland, the Regional Partnerships and others. The full listing of organisations or individuals submitting suggestions are included in Annex 1. 1.6 All opportunities presented this Report are attributed to the relevant consultee to help with future collaboration. Where a particular opportunity has not been attributed to a specific consultee, the comment or suggestion has, generally, been directly informed by the local authority for that area. Where no response was received from the local authority or other consultees, the opportunities set out have been extracted from relevant published documents and through discussion. Aspirations and Ambitions 2
2.0 General Guidance Introduction 2.1 opportunities are presented for each development planning authority in the following order: Both national park authorities; Strategic development planning authorities in alphabetical order; and Other development planning authorities in alphabetical order. The order of the individual planning authorities is as shown in the contents page of this Report. A plan showing their geographical areas is shown in Diagram 1. It is hoped that all development planning authorities will consider these in the formulation of their emerging and future development plans. 2.2 plans which are attuned to the needs of the visitor economy are of particular significance in enabling Scotland to attract and secure further investment, whether it comes from an indigenous business or from an inward investor. 2.3 Underlying the Framework is the support for the spatial strategy in The National Planning Framework to help make Scotland a low carbon place; a natural place to invest as well as being a successful, sustainable place which is well connected. It supports Scottish Government s aims for quality in design and place making in our environment. 2.4 The Framework informs statutory development plans about potential development opportunities and the need for a supportive policy framework in approved development plans. It is to be used as a material consideration in the determination of planning applications for new and expanded facilities which form part of the visitor economy. 2.5 The development framework for the visitor economy is presented by reference to the following elements in Scotland 2020 s strategy and, focusing on the following themes: Theme 1 - Theme 2 - Theme 3 - Theme 4 - Theme 5 Heritage & Theme 6 - Theme 7 - Theme 8-2.6 These elements of the strategy are identified in Scotland 2020 and form the core of the Framework. This is set out in Diagram 2. Aspirations and Ambitions 3
VisitScotland Aspirations and Ambitions July 2013 4
Diagram 2: Playing to Our Strengths Source: Scotland 2020 2.7 This strategy and their Themes is a useful appraisal tool for development planning authorities to use to formulate tourism development strategies in their development plans. 2.8 is key to the visitor experience and helps to secure growth. Individuals will focus on their own geographic area or theme of interest from a single location to an extensive journey across Scotland. The overall experience of our tourists and visitors is dependent on the quality of the overall customer journey. The visitor economy operates across a range of geographies and boundaries and Scotland s visitor economy is predominantly based on regional settings. To maximise benefits, any emerging spatial strategies by development planning authorities may need to extend beyond the local authority area and seek inter-authority and inter-agency co-operation and collaboration. Scotland 2020 through its Towns and Cities Theme is exploring this regional perspective. 2.9 On-going working through an inter-authority perspective in partnership with stakeholders will help formulate development strategies in the visitor economy which avoid duplication and help set priorities. Aspirations and Ambitions 5
2.10 Spatial guidance is needed to provide greater certainty for investors and developers in the development management process. Proposals maps should identify the appropriate locations for development proposals to serve the visitor economy. Locations need not be site specific if flexibility is required about the choice of site(s). 2.11 The appropriate development plan response will vary across Scotland, depending on the value of the visitor economy to the local economy. Supplementary planning guidance about the visitor economy and the development plan action plan can play a fundamental role in the ongoing implementation process. 2.12 An aim of the Framework is to promote more collaboration and co-ordination around the needs of the visitor economy to help secure the growth target set by the national strategy Scotland 2020. To help deliver the Framework, VisitScotland will provide an enabling role to support the delivery of the tourism development strategy agreed at the local level. The means to assist with this process is through the creation and promotion of Action Plans for. 2.13 VisitScotland will help co-ordinate progress with local and national stakeholders through these Action Plans for (APD) for each development planning authority. The Action Plan for supporting each development plan will be an important reference for assessing progress in the visitor economy at a local level. 2.14 These APDs will be collated by VisitScotland in conjunction with relevant and appropriate local and national stakeholders together with each development planning authority. These will be based on the template of the customer journey and eventually, will refer to development proposals and infrastructure upgrades promoted in local development plans - some of which may be the opportunities highlighted in this Report (Chapters 3 8). 2.15 The actions and support to deliver these APDs will be provided by a range of agencies. The APDs provide linkage between private and public sectors, and will present progress which can subsequently assist in monitoring and updating progress on The Scottish Alliance s national tourism strategy Scotland 2020. There is no intention to hold any organisation to account about progress or compliance. The role of VisitScotland is to help facilitate delivery by bringing together relevant stakeholders who can make a positive contribution in the implementation process. 2.16 The APDs for each development planning authority will collectively form the overall Action Programme for Scotland. This will be a working document, posted and regularly updated on the VisitScotland and the Scottish Alliance websites and therefore easily available to all interested parties. It will record the ongoing and planned investment being made in the visitor economy across Scotland. 2.17 The template for the APD is as follows: Aspirations and Ambitions 6
Lead Agency Budget Cost 000s Year 1 000s Year 2 000s Programme Year 3 000s Commentary on progress the Customer Heritage and The development opportunities and priorities for infrastructure improvements are presented in accord with this template in the following Chapters. Aspirations and Ambitions 7
3.0 National Park Authorities Strategy Cairngorms National Park Opportunity to further develop value to the visitor economy of existing scenic routes. Forestry Commission Scotland confirms opportunities to develop further the value from scenic routes including A9 and A93 to improve visitor experience. Investment opportunities are also highlighted for the rural area in new and existing hotel accommodation, including the country house hotel product, within its main tourism locations, as well as for investment in self-catering accommodation (where deficiencies are identified), bunkhouse provision, holiday parks and novel low carbon development which support the wider rural tourism product. Creation of a new sustainable community to be located at An Camas Mòr, next to Aviemore. Opportunity for investment in new resort development which can act as a catalyst to wider investment within the Park is required. Forestry Commission Scotland confirms that locations for this should be linked with forest tourism. Investment opportunity for delivery of substantial redevelopment of the Aviemore resort following grant of planning permission. Support for attractions which continue to extend the visitor season and improve the quality offered, such as the Cairngorms Food and Drink Plan including visitor information, enhanced production facilities and marketing and local supply chain management. Opportunities for forest tourism which supports the wider activities market, as well as opportunities for targeted infrastructure in niche activity markets on which Scotland can build its profile internationally as an activity destination, should continue to be supported. Ongoing opportunities to improve the path network to maximise visitor s enjoyment of the countryside and support outdoor activities, including: Developing cycling tourism facilities through implementation of a Cycling Action Plan and associated investment programme including new downhill mountain bike faculties at Glenlivet, new community cycling centres, Scotland s first electric bike network, and a cycling friendly villages scheme Speyside Way Extension from Aviemore to Newtonmore and upgrade of existing route to make suitable for cyclists and horse riders Implementation of Park-wide programme of Core Paths protection and improvement covering over 1900km of paths Scotland s National Parks mountain paths restoration project New visitor centre at Laggan to link with community woods and downhill mountain bike facility Creation of a new sustainable community to be located at An Camas Mòr, next to Aviemore with opportunities for location of tourism related businesses. Aspirations and Ambitions 8
Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park Opportunities for water transport infrastructure to improve service connectivity. Opportunity to further develop value to the visitor economy of existing scenic routes, including the A82. Opportunity to develop a national Scenic Routes strategy involving a multi-agency approach, to promote as a tourism asset in respect of the outstanding journey experience it offers through rural Scotland, and branded as a tourism product similar to that developed in Norway. Investment opportunities exist in the rural area in new and existing hotel accommodation, including the country house hotel product, within its main tourism locations. Opportunities exist in the rural area for new self-catering accommodation (where deficiencies are identified), bunkhouse provision, holiday parks and novel low carbon development which support the wider rural tourism product. Opportunity for investment in new resort development which can act as a catalyst to wider investment within the Park is required. Opportunity for resort development at Loch Long. Forestry Commission Scotland seeks opportunities for locations for new resort development to be linked with forest tourism. Opportunities for forest tourism which also support the wider activities market should continue to be considered. Opportunities for the creation of new berthing facilities and integrated marinas which include restaurant and retail development should be encouraged. Opportunities for the continued development of niche activity markets on which Scotland can build its profile internationally as an activity destination are to be welcomed. Opportunities to improve the path network to maximise visitor s enjoyment of the countryside should continue to be considered and support outdoor activities. Opportunity to better maintain and promote Scotland s premier long distance routes as international tourism assets, balancing investment with the need for maintenance of existing assets. Proposals to improve the area s visitor experience and provide further attractions are welcome, building on the area s natural assets. options including tourism opportunities are being explored (through Charettes) to inform the next local development plan. Approach is focused on the key settlements where tourism growth is most likely to be directed to: Aberfoyle, Arrochar & Tarbet, Drymen & Balmaha, Tyndrum, Callander and Balloch. Aspirations and Ambitions 9
4.0 Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire Authorities Strategy Aberdeen City A Strategy and Action Plan for Growth, prepared by the Aberdeen City and Shire Partnership, seeks new air routes into Aberdeen International Airport. Aberdeen International Airport is a key market for tourism entry to Scotland. Aberdeen International Airport has direct routes to many hub airports in Europe. Increasing the routes between Aberdeen and hub airports has potential to grow the visitor economy. The provision of easy access to public transport from the Airport and rail station to main tourism locations is important. Investment in rail links, including rail service enhancements between Aberdeen and the Central Belt (STPR Intervention 23), maintaining high quality rail links to Glasgow and Edinburgh and also improving rail links to Inverness. road improvements include investment in Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route and upgrades to strategic roads including the A96, the A93 and the A90 together with local road improvements. The proposed expansion of Aberdeen Harbour presents an opportunity to enhance transport links to the Northern Isles and has potential to accommodate additional cruise ships. Sustrans has identified the potential for infrastructure improvements to National Cycle Route 1 through Aberdeen city centre. Opportunity to invest in new hotels, particularly in the 4 and 5 star markets to support business tourism such as the proposals at ABZ Park. Trump International is an investment Opportunity for Resort. The Aberdeen City and Shire Partnership has identified the following key opportunities for growth in Aberdeen: Golf Events,, Culture and Arts Proposals to improve the Aberdeen s visitor experience and provide further attractions are welcome, especially for walking and other outdoor activities. Opportunity to consider actions at Aberdeen s main leisure tourism locations along with routes from the airport, rail station and port as well as the city centre. Opportunities for improvements to the public realm are supported, reflecting the role of Aberdeen as a key gateway to Scotland s main tourism destinations. This should include pedestrianisation, traffic-calming measures and segregated cycleways. The Aberdeen City and Shire Partnership has identified the business tourism as a key opportunity for growth in Aberdeen. Opportunity to expand the existing Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre is welcome. This is a key facility in the North of Scotland. Opportunity to consider actions at Aberdeen s main business tourism locations along with routes from the airport, rail station and port as well as the city centre. Aspirations and Ambitions 10
Aberdeenshire opportunities related to transport in Aberdeenshire include the following: the reinstatement of local railway stations improvements to signage on key tourism routes improvements to marine tourism infrastructure (including cruise liner market) developing recreational, scenic cycling and walking infrastructure Opportunities are welcome to improve connectivity to Energetica and Trump International. Investment in rail links, including rail service enhancements between Aberdeen and the Central Belt (Strategic s Review Intervention 23), maintaining high quality rail links to Glasgow and Edinburgh and also improving rail links to Inverness. road improvements should include investment in Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route and upgrades to strategic roads including the A96, the A93 and the A90 together with local road improvements. Promotion of the national journey planning service Traveline Scotland would be useful for those making onward journeys by public transport. There is an opportunity for a range of further accommodation, including the country house hotel product, within the main tourism locations, close to existing tourism attractions. should be given to hotel development. This investment could be in self-catering accommodation (where deficiencies are identified), bunkhouse provision, holiday parks and novel low carbon development which support the wider rural tourism product. Opportunity for additional accommodation as part of Energetica, supporting golf related tourism at the top end of the market. This can support Scotland s positioning as the Home of Golf and the success of attracting the Scottish Open to Royal Aberdeen in 2014. Trump International is one of Scotland s latest international resorts and will grow in response to market demand. Opportunity for further resort development in Aberdeenshire. The Aberdeen City and Shire Partnership has identified the following key opportunities for growth in Aberdeenshire: Golf There is an opportunity to support forest tourism in Aberdeenshire and support the wider activities market. This includes walking tourism. Opportunity to upgrade the walking surface of the Formartine and Buchan Way between Dyce, Fraserburgh and Peterhead. Requirement to complete and promote the Deeside Way from Aberdeen to Ballater. Proposals to improve the area s visitor experience and provide further attractions are welcome. The Aberdeen City and Shire Partnership has identified the business tourism as a key opportunity for growth in Aberdeenshire. Proposals to improve the area s visitor experience and provide further attractions are welcome. The Aberdeen City and Shire Partnership has identified Events,, Culture and Arts as key opportunities for growth in Aberdeenshire. Aspirations and Ambitions 11
5.0 Glasgow & the Clyde Valley Authorities Strategy East Dunbartonshire Opportunity for investment in public transport and active travel infrastructure in collaboration with partners. Opportunity to improve the off-road path network, road cycling infrastructure and major transport corridors including the creation for model interchange hubs at key locations such as railway stations. Opportunity for accommodation, including Boutique Hotels and the country house hotel product, within the main tourism locations, close to existing tourism attractions. This investment could be in self-catering accommodation (where deficiencies are identified), bunkhouse provision, holiday parks and novel low carbon development which support the wider rural tourism product. Proposals to improve the area s visitor experience and provide further attractions are welcome. Opportunities to capitalise on the Campsie Fells/Kilpatrick Hills, the Forth and Clyde Canal, Clachan of Campsie, West Highland Way, the Antonine Wall, Mugdock Country Park and Milngavie Reservoirs, as tourism major assets in the area. Opportunity to develop the golfing product in East Dunbartonshire. Opportunity to improve walking and cycling experience in East Dunbartonshire. This includes investment in the area s key communication network including path and trail development, interpretation of off-road networks and road interpretation. Opportunity to develop the interpretation of new longer route heritage trails which include the following: Antonine Wall Forth & Clyde Canal John Muir Trail Opportunity to develop five service hubs in Kirkintilloch, Lennoxtown, Bishopbriggs, Milngavie to service and promote Scotland s visitor experience throughout the year. Opportunity to improve the town centre experience in East Dunbartonshire. Master planning processes are already underway for Kirkintilloch Town Centre which includes rebranding the town and developing new products for the visitor and development of 11 Heritage Trails celebrating local history. Opportunity to promote East Dunbartonshire as An Event for Scotland s visitors. Four festivals every year embrace national long distance routes including the John Muir Way and the West Highland Way. Opportunity to improve event product experience, which include the following: Festival Get Active Festival Heritage Festival Art Festival Aspirations and Ambitions 12
East Renfrewshire Opportunities exist to create a range of further niche and boutique hotels within the M77 Corridor proposals and for a business/budget as part of the Barrhead Regeneration proposals. Opportunities to develop Dams to Darnley Country park as a resort will continue to be promoted. Opportunity to further promote Dams to Darnley Country Park and Whitlee Wind Farm. Opportunity to secure further Links Between Developing the Rural Economy funding directed to strategic tourism infrastructure investment. Opportunity to develop districts to promote improved visitor experience. Opportunity for small scale events and conference facilities at the Barrhead Town Centre Learning, Leisure and Hub. Opportunity to improve event product experience, develop a calendar of events with regional significance, which include Feastren and Electric Glen. Opportunity for further investment at Rouken Glen Park to host a range of regionally significant events. Aspirations and Ambitions 13
Glasgow City Glasgow s Action Plan to 2016, prepared by the Glasgow Strategy Steering Group, is seeking an improvement in direct access to Glasgow nationally and internationally, by airport, rail and road through a targeted route development plan. High speed sustainable transport services between Glasgow International Airport and Glasgow would be beneficial. Improved linkages to key venues outwith the city centre, e.g. SECC, Hydro Arena and Hampden are encouraged. Opportunity to extend public transport services in line with extended retail hours. Sustrans identifies opportunity to capitalise on Commonwealth Games 2014 and legacy in terms of walking and cycling. Opportunity to develop an investment strategy for accommodation which identifies the needs of existing and future target markets. There are opportunities for investment in new city centre hotels, particularly in the 4 and 5 star markets, which will support business tourism. Glasgow s Action Plan to 2016, prepared by the Glasgow Strategy Steering Group, requires the provision of additional premier hotel rooms. Opportunity for this market demand to be converted into a strategy for hotel development across the city and locations identified. Opportunity to provide a one-stop resource for all potential hotel developers and investors. Creation of Glasgow City Council Inward Investment team to promote inward investment specifically in key growth sectors, which include tourism, life sciences, engineering and financial services. Glasgow s Action Plan to 2016, prepared by the Glasgow Strategy Steering Group, is seeking the inscription of a Mackintosh World Heritage Site to improve visitor focus. Consideration should continue to be given to a programme of actions to improve the public realm at main leisure and business tourism locations, such as George Square. Museums Galleries Scotland identifies Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery and Riverside Museum as a key attraction. Opportunities for further improvement should be encouraged. Capitalise further on Mackintosh as Glasgow s unique selling point through agreement of a coordinated capital, collections and exhibitions plan at a strategic level. Proposals to improve the area s visitor experience and provide further attractions are welcome, especially along the riverside. Opportunities for proposals linked to the Commonwealth Games 2014 legacy to be identified. Glasgow City Marketing Bureau identifies need for investment in improving access to already established venues and infrastructure rather than build new venues closer to the airport. Opportunity to develop convention, meetings and exhibition programme to support key sectors, including tourism. Opportunity to make Glasgow more event-friendly, remove barriers and encourage more strategic understanding across businesses. Opportunity to co-ordinate efforts of public and private sector to generate more events business to the city. Aspirations and Ambitions 14
Opportunity to capitalise on Commonwealth Games 2014 and legacy in terms of public realm and sports facilities. Opportunity to upscale Glasgow Service with Style in preparation for Glasgow 2014 along with extension of core shopping hours. Aspirations and Ambitions 15
Inverclyde Inverclyde s Strategy & Action Plan 2009-16 targets Greenock to be made the preferred Scottish port of choice for cruise ships and is seeking to increase the number of cruise ships coming to Ocean Terminal Greenock. There is an opportunity for a range of further accommodation, including the country house hotel product, within the main tourism locations, close to existing tourism attractions. This investment could be in self-catering accommodation (where deficiencies are identified), bunkhouse provision, holiday parks and novel low carbon development which support the wider rural tourism product. Inverclyde s Strategy & Action Plan 2009-16, is seeking opportunities for the creation of new berthing facilities and integrated marinas which include restaurant and retail development. Opportunities to improve visitor facilities and experience at the Ocean Terminal Greenock are welcome. BMF Scotland encourages ongoing development project at James Watt Dock Marina (Greenock) as a key project for attracting visitors. Proposals to improve the area s visitor experience and provide further attractions are welcome. Aspirations and Ambitions 16
North Lanarkshire Work is ongoing to upgrade the A8, along with improvements to M73 / M74 / Raith Interchange. There is also further opportunity to capitalise on the recent M74 and M80 upgrades. Under the Edinburgh / Glasgow Improvement programme, Scotland intends to electrify the Cumbernauld / Glasgow rail line by 2014 and reduce journey times and improve capacity on the Edinburgh / Glasgow via Croy line by 2017. This will maximise opportunities for access across North Lanarkshire by public transport. There is also potential to further capitalise on the Airdrie Bathgate rail link. Significant work has already been done to improve walking and cycling networks within North Lanarkshire to complement the resource provided by the Monkland and Forth and Clyde Canals. Further opportunities to improve these networks are welcomed. Opportunities to promote safe walking / cycling route links between major sports facilities, such as the Green Link linking Strathclyde Park and Ravenscraig and centres of population, are supported. Additional urban routes to facilitate cycling to work have been developed such as planned scheme to link Airdrie with Cairnhill, Calderbank and Chapelhall to the south of the town, and this should continue to be promoted. The development of canal accommodation and berthing facilities at Auchinstarry Marina, Kilsyth is expected to increase visitor numbers to the area, and should continue to be encouraged. Country house development is recognised as a growth area and more work is required to identify potential opportunities in this area. Opportunity for investment in self-catering accommodation (where deficiencies are identified), bunkhouse provision, holiday parks and novel low carbon development which support the wider rural tourism product. Two new hotels are proposed as part of the Ravenscraig site master plan (one business orientated and the other town centre) which will improve the accommodation offer in this location. There are opportunities to further promote and develop the following: M & D s Scotland s Theme Park at Strathclyde Park Auchinstarry Marina Regional Sports Facility at Ravenscraig which hosts many international events leisure and Shopping and leisure at Ravenscraig Strathclyde Country park and the loch is one of the venues for the Commonwealth Games 2014 and part of the bid for the World Youth Olympics. There is a need to find a long term solution to the water quality issue and allow this site to be fully developed and promoted for world class sporting events. The Lanarkshire Action Plan 2009-2015, prepared by the Lanarkshire Area Partnership includes actions to promote natural, built and cultural heritage. Proposals to improve the area s visitor experience and provide further attractions, especially in the day visitor market are welcome. There are also opportunities to extend the business tourism offering. There are opportunities to further development the tourism offer in the following Areas (designated by the adopted North Lanarkshire Local Plan): Campsies (potential regional park) Forth and Clyde Canal (millennium link) Strathclyde Park Summerlee (Coatbridge) The adopted Local Plan also identifies a network of Country Parks to be further developed Aspirations and Ambitions 17
for tourism and recreation. Niche products and marketing include World Heritage site Antonine Wall, Summerlee Heritage Park. The development of day visitor attractions and business tourism around these attractions should continue to be promoted. The development proposals at Ravenscraig will provide a destination shopping and leisure experience. There are opportunities to further promote the golf product at Westerwood Hotel and Dalzell Park and various municipal courses across the area. Lochview Family Golf Centre in Coatbridge has had over 1m in investment and potentially has a key role to play in niche golf development programmes and training. There are opportunities to further promote Mountain Biking at Carron Valley and hillwalking and other active pursuits at various locations in North Lanarkshire. Quality Assurance programmes and sustainable tourism standards e.g. Green business scheme are being proactively developed and should continue to be encouraged. Opportunities for proposals linked to the Commonwealth Games 2014 and legacy opportunities, linked to hosting of Triathlon event in Strathclyde Park could stimulate demand and development opportunities for the region s venues which are within easy access to Glasgow and Edinburgh. Opportunities to capitalise on other important events including Celebrating Lanarkshire 2013 and 2014, Year of Homecoming and Ryder Cup opportunities, including the Glasgow 2018 Youth Olympics bid (if successful). Potential to increase business tourism and highlight smaller conference venues with easy access to Glasgow and Edinburgh. Aspirations and Ambitions 18
Renfrewshire There are opportunities for the provision of new hotels, particularly in the 3 and 4 star markets, to support activities at Glasgow International Airport as well as associated airport requirements. There is an opportunity for a range of further accommodation, including the country house hotel product, within the main tourism locations, close to existing tourism attractions. This investment could be in self-catering accommodation (where deficiencies are identified), bunkhouse provision, holiday parks and novel low carbon development which support the wider rural tourism product. Proposals to improve the area s visitor experience and provide further attractions are welcome, building on the area s attraction for fishing, mountain biking and other outdoor activities. Glasgow International Airport plays an important role as a gateway to Scotland s main tourism destinations. Opportunities for the improvement of the built environment around routes from Glasgow International Airport should continue to be considered. Aspirations and Ambitions 19
South Lanarkshire The completion of the M74 extension presents further opportunities for travel to and around Lanarkshire. Sustrans confirms opportunities to further improve cycle links to capitalise on National Route 74 from Gretna to Lanark and then into centre of Glasgow. There is an opportunity for a range of further accommodation, including the country house hotel product, within the main tourism locations, close to existing tourism attractions. Opportunities for visitor accommodation at Cuningar Loop (for example holiday lodges). With windfarm funding, LEADER funding and farm diversification this may present opportunities for the provision of new and improvement to existing self-catering accommodation (where deficiencies are identified), bunkhouse provision, holiday parks and novel low carbon development which support the wider rural tourism product. There are also a number of country house properties that could perhaps be developed into hotels in the area. Opportunity for resort creation at Cuningar Loop. The Lanarkshire Action Plan 2009-2015 prepared by the Lanarkshire Area Partnership and includes actions to promote natural, built and cultural heritage in South Lanarkshire. Proposals to improve the area s visitor experience and provide further attractions are welcome, complementing attractions such as New Lanark. Opportunities for further improvements at Cuningar Loop as key visitor attraction. Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Partnership will invest and improve the Clyde valley landscape and access paths from Chatelherault to Lanark between 2013 and 2016. This opportunity should continue to be encouraged. Quality Assurance programmes and sustainable tourism standards e.g. Green tourism business scheme are being proactively developed and should be further encouraged. The completion of the M74 extension presents further opportunities for travel to and around Lanarkshire. Sustrans confirms opportunities to further improve cycle links to capitalise on National Route 74 from Gretna to Lanark and then into centre of Glasgow. There is an opportunity for a range of further accommodation, including the country house hotel product, within the main tourism locations, close to existing tourism attractions. Opportunities for visitor accommodation at Cuningar Loop (for example holiday lodges). With windfarm funding, LEADER funding and farm diversification this may present opportunities for the provision of new and improvement to existing self-catering accommodation (where deficiencies are identified), bunkhouse provision, holiday parks and novel low carbon development which support the wider rural tourism product. There are also a number of country house properties that could perhaps be developed into hotels in the area. Opportunity for resort creation at Cuningar Loop. Aspirations and Ambitions 20
West Dunbartonshire Opportunities to improve the connectivity between rail (Balloch), bus and water taxi services on Loch Lomond. Opportunities to develop the scenic value on the key tourist route of the A82 and contribute to the visitor economy. Potential opportunity for a relief road at the Esso Bowling site to continue to be explored. Improved access to the Erskine Bridge to widen connectivity to the Metro West region should be encouraged. Exploring potential opportunities for increased water based transport connectivity from the Clyde to Loch Lomond through a canal along the Riven Leven should be encouraged. Investment opportunities exist in the rural area for new self-catering accommodation (where deficiencies are identified), bunkhouse provision, holiday parks and novel low carbon development which support the wider rural tourism product. Opportunity at the Loch Lomond Shores and West Riverside for quality hotel accommodation. Proposals to improve the area s visitor experience and provide further attractions are welcome. Increased water access and berthing opportunities along the Clyde Waterfront are to be encouraged. Opportunity to develop a big attraction which has been identified through the area s Strategic Advisory Board and requires further investigation. Opportunities for tourism related development are focused around the Council s Regeneration priorities for the area, which include Bowling Harbour and Old Kilpatrick. Scottish Canals is developing plans to enhance its existing facilities at Bowling Basin and this should continue to be encouraged. There are potential development opportunities for tourism at the Kilpatrick Hills which can be further explored. Scotland confirms Scottish Canals are currently developing masterplan proposals to promote the regeneration of Bowling Basin with a view to creating a vibrant hub in a spectacular location overlooking the Clyde estuary. This opportunity should continue to be encouraged. Opportunity to regenerate three sites in Clydebank to further improve tourism offer. Opportunities for tourism related development are focused around the Council s Regeneration priorities for the area, which include: Loch Lomond Shores and West Riverside : Led by Scottish Enterprise, this proposal identifies priority locations for investment, including the development of a quality hotel accommodation and surrounding retail outlets within the West Riverbank location at Balloch, as well as public realm improvements which is important for enhancing Balloch as the main tourist hub for the area. Alexandria Town Centre: The Alexandria Town Centre Masterplan (2008) outlines guidelines for six development sites in and around the town centre, including residential development on the former Kippen Dairy site and the redevelopment and refurbishment of Mitchell Way, which is central to the regeneration of the town centre. Alexandria is positioned on the boundary to the National Park and hosts a number of retail outlets such as Lomond Galleries and Antartex Village that attract tourists and visitors. Aspirations and Ambitions 21
Dumbarton Town Centre and Waterfront: The town centre benefits from a recently developed heritage trail which could be further enhanced. Opportunities for tourism related development are focused around the Council s Regeneration priorities for the area, which include Lomondgate and the Vale of Leven Industrial Estate. Lomondgate is a Strategic Economic Investment Location with the long term vision being as a strategic business district. These sites have major locational advantages on the doorstep of the National Park with excellent connectivity to the A82, Glasgow City Centre and airport and opportunities to capitalise on this is encouraged. Aspirations and Ambitions 22
6.0 SESplan Authorities Strategy City of Edinburgh It is recognised that the securing of more direct flights into Edinburgh Airport allowing ease of access for Scotland s key markets is key to attracting visitors. To drive competition and bring new airlines and new routes to Edinburgh, a route development fund has been initiated. Edinburgh : A Framework for Growth 2007-2015, prepared by the Edinburgh Action Group (ETAG), highlights the following: More direct international air routes to the City from key target markets A city wide response to the development of the cruise liner market through Port of Leith The development of a high speed rail link between Glasgow and Edinburgh The provision of easy access on public transport from the airport and rail station to Scotland s other main tourism locations is important. Opportunities to promote the integration / improvement of road linkages and public transport services into Fife, particularly between Edinburgh and Edinburgh Airport, especially with the new Forth Crossing. Opportunity to further improve on the South Queensferry to Rosyth ferry crossing are welcome. Opportunity for Edinburgh and Fife Councils to create a Forth Crossing promotion group. Sustrans welcomes opportunities to develop proposals identified in the Active Travel Action Plan, which aims to make Edinburgh cycling and walking friendly. Edinburgh 2020 - The Edinburgh Strategy, prepared by the Edinburgh Action Group, proposes the development of additional accommodation in west Edinburgh and the city centre. Opportunities for new city centre hotels, particularly in the 4 and 5 star markets, which will support business tourism in particular around major conferences, to be encouraged. City centre hotels to be encouraged within the World Heritage Site. Opportunities for resort products which will attract new international markets and generate higher returns for the industry are to be encouraged. Edinburgh 2020: The Edinburgh Strategy confirms the wish to develop the Waterfront in Leith with enhanced cruise liner facilities as an integrated part of the city s tourism experience and a more comprehensive range of tourism products, including more attractions, more accommodation with meetings facilities, and improved information and interpretation. In addition, this Strategy seeks to integrate areas such as Portobello and South Queensferry further into Edinburgh s tourism product set, giving consumers a reason to stay longer/return, should be considered in the development plan. In South Queensferry this will be assisted by the Improvement District. Any actions to improve Edinburgh Airport, Port of Leith and South Queensferry as gateways to Scotland s main tourism destinations are welcome Scottish Canals Heritage Strategy 2013-2018 identifies objectives to improve the Union Canal from Edinburgh Quay to the Forth & Clyde Canal. Opportunities to assist the improvement are welcome. Museums and Galleries Scotland and National Museums Scotland highlight opportunities to build upon the investment made to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, National Aspirations and Ambitions 23
Galleries and the National Museum of Scotland. Improvements to enhance the quality of the Royal Mile s streetscape to support its role as a five star visitor attraction welcome. Proposals to define the identity of Princes Street and immediate surroundings and its role in the City should continue to be progressed. Proposals to improve the City s visitor experience and provide further attractions are welcome. Edinburgh Promenade is being developed to fit into Scotland s National Cycle Network Route 1. This has been approved by the Economic and Planning Committees. Opportunity for the Edinburgh Tram to support and improve business tourism from 2014 with travel between Edinburgh Airport and the city centre. Edinburgh 2020: The Edinburgh Strategy, prepared by the Edinburgh Action Group, highlights the following: Proposed development of multi-use venue in West Edinburgh capable of seating 2,000 people or more; and Relocation or improvements to the Royal Highland Show Ground These matters could be addressed in the emerging development plan. Opportunity for the Edinburgh Tram to support and improve leisure tourism from 2014 with travel between Edinburgh Airport and the city centre. Aspirations and Ambitions 24
East Lothian Opportunity for transport improvements in East Lothian to service visitors including the dualling of the A1 from south of Dunbar. Opportunity to develop the ferry terminal at Leith, Edinburgh attracting visitors to Edinburgh with potential additional tourism visits to East Lothian. Sustrans identifies the opportunity to complete of the cycle route (National Route 76) round the coast via North Berwick, part of the North Sea Cycle Route. There is an opportunity for a range of further accommodation, including the country house hotel product, within the main tourism locations, close to existing tourism attractions. This investment could be in self-catering accommodation (where deficiencies are identified), bunkhouse provision, holiday parks and novel low carbon development which support the wider rural tourism product. Actions to improve golf related tourism accommodation at the top end of the market which builds on East Lothian s positioning as the Cradle of Golf should continue to be supported. Consideration should continue to be given to supporting the ongoing development of the resort product which will attract new international markets and generate higher returns for the industry. Opportunity to expand upon the East Lothian Initiative, raising awareness of quality produce and supporting usage in hospitality and retail outlets. The quality of the golfing experience is internationally recognised and its attraction can be further developed. Proposals to improve the area s visitor experience and provide further attractions are welcome, with the opportunity to consider the area s heritage value. Proposals for the development of further visitor opportunities around John Muir connection especially welcome. Opportunity to provide a range of activities focused on his birthplace in Dunbar will take place throughout 2014 and launched over his birthday weekend. Opportunities for use of the coastal areas should continue to be considered especially marine and wildlife watching, surfing and other marine sporting activities. The Coastal Strategy and Coastal Partnership acknowledge the potential of the East Lothian coast for recreation. Potential opportunity for new developments in and around Dunbar to capitalise on this target market. National Museums Scotland has identified significant investment is planned at the National Museum of Flight, based at the historic East Fortune airfield. Opportunity to support the The Brunton in Musselburgh as a conference facility for East Lothian. Potential opportunity for wildlife-related activities and events to be supported in The Year of Natural Scotland. Aspirations and Ambitions 25