1. The Economy of the Coast
Presentation by
John Kelly, Director
EKOS Economics and Regeneration

2. Format of Presentation
A UK perspective
A Scottish perspective
The Firth of Clyde
Future economic challenges
Some final thoughts

3. A UK Perspective UK Parliament enquiry 2007 Coastal Towns
No specific policy or departmental responsibility
Commonalities and disparities – from success to failure
Physical isolation
Deprivation
Ageing population
Migration of young people
Poor housing
Limited economic prospects
Need better understanding – one size does not fit all

4. A Scottish Perspective
Limited research/ understanding of coast as economic unit
Socio-Economic Scoping Study
Population and migration trends
Levels of deprivation and poverty
Low value activities/ low earnings
Narrow economic base
Range of national policies eg planning framework
National strategies – Scottish Coastal Forum
However - no specific economic development approach to coastal towns and communities

5. The Firth of Clyde Around 600 miles of coast Over 30 settlements
Population of 250,000, but...
Declining and aging
Around 200,000 jobs with ...
Growth below national level
High reliance on tourism related and public sector
Low levels higher value jobs
Pockets of severe deprivation

6. Firth of Clyde An affluence divide Housing Small but growing commuting
Affordability
Second homes
Small but growing commuting
Declining town centres
Largely self contained communities
Growing importance of the city

7. Firth of Clyde Accounts for 9% of all Scottish tourism
Major player in key growing markets
1.6 million tourist trips and 38 million day trips
Generating £670m annual spend
Supports 16,000 jobs and £300m GVA
Dominated by Argyll &Bute and Ayrshire

8. Some Economic Challenges
Rebalancing the population – retaining young people
More and better mix of housing
Employment diversification
Higher value jobs
Tourism/leisure niche markets
Town centres/ local linkages
Improving links to city - connectivity

9. Some Final Thoughts Do we need a coastal town strategy?
How do coastal communities relate to marine environment?
Implications of Marine Spatial Planning on the economy
Sustainable development