THIS year’s Scotland’s Towns Conference is poised to be the biggest yet, organiser Scotland’s Towns Partnership (SPT) has said.
The annual showcase on the innovations shaping the future of towns and places will be held at the University of Strathclyde’s Technology and Innovation Centre in Glasgow on Thursday, November 27.
The event is being staged with the support of Glasgow City Council and comes as the city celebrates its 850th anniversary of gaining Burgh status in 1175 – a milestone moment which shaped the place known today.
The technology centre’s capacity means the conference – which has sold out in recent years – could host its largest audience to date.
Broadcaster Rona Dougall will host the event, with Scotland’s employment and investment minister Tom Arthur MSP and Glasgow City Council leader, councillor Susan Aitken, already confirmed as speakers.
Kimberley Guthrie, STP’s chief officer, said, “We are really excited to be bringing the Scotland’s Towns Conference to Glasgow and to be joining forces with Glasgow City Council. Localism and growing our economies will be at the heart of a stronger and more sustainable Scotland.
“Our conference has grown into a fantastic hub for learning, networking and sharing the ideas and innovations that will help our towns, cities, neighbourhoods and places to overcome the challenges they face, boosting economies and helping them to transform and thrive. We have a perfect setting in which to showcase all of that.”
STP is also the parent organisation of Scotland’s Improvement Districts (SIDs) and Scotland Loves Local, the drive for people to build stronger communities by getting behind businesses in their area.
Work is underway on a programme to create a business improvement district (BID) in Glasgow city centre. The council has been a trailblazer with the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card, using it to support families and drive millions of pounds into the local economy.
Councillor Susan Aitken commented, “We are really looking forward to hosting Scotland’s Towns Conference in this, Glasgow’s 850th anniversary year. The transformation currently taking place in Glasgow and so many places across Scotland shows the innovative approaches being taken to adapt to change and bring about economic growth and environmental and social benefits for everyone.”
