Glasgow needs an urgent rescue plan ahead of its 850th anniversary

Glasgow was once an industrial hive, hence it was named the Second City of the Empire.

Glasgow is a city which has led the world in science.

Innovation in science fuelled the engine of our city’s growth in the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries. Glasgow has been a hub for innovation in various scientific fields including engineering, medicine, technology and architecture.

What scientists did in Glasgow was integral in changing the whole world. What scientists are now doing in Glasgow academia continues to radiate around the globe.

Glasgow is known for its listed buildings. Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson set Glasgow on the world stage. The elegant work of Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson can be seen as villas, terraces, tenements, shops and churches across the city.

The award-winning ‘Glasgow’s Miles Better’ campaign of 1983 onwards helped frame Glasgow as a tourist destination. In the 1980s and 90s investment was directed towards new shopping areas Princess Square, St Enoch Centre and Buchanan Galleries.

In contrast, current Glasgow infrastructure and industry is a shadow of its former self. The streets are littered and the roads are now renowned for potholes. Argyle Street and Buchanan Street are mere shadows of what they once were.

Glasgow was once regarded as a major shopping destination. Instead, we see an increase in charity shops, empty units and far too many historical buildings falling into disrepair.

The unkempt appearance of this once proud city renowned throughout the world is unacceptable. The parks are overgrown and lack general maintenance. Anyone having left the city for a period of time would almost not recognise the proud city it once was.

Glasgow needs an urgent rescue plan. Not an overburden of strategies but funded sustainable action plans. Shaped by experts who have a track record for delivering in their field. There is a need to urgently seek pathways for Glasgow to return to its former thriving self.

We need politicians with a passion to bring the city back from a point of no return.

The humility to listen, the intelligence to understand and the tenacity and commitment to make it happen.

There is an urgent need to build more social homes, bring empty buildings into use, fix the potholes, invest in cleansing and maintain green spaces to ensure they are attractive for everyone to enjoy. Also an increase in momentum for sustainable energy projects.

Stop the cuts to education, upskill for the growth and green sectors jobs and support the needs of our most vulnerable.

Next year is Glasgow 850th year – let’s ensure Glasgow’s 850th birthday will be a big year for the city.

It’s a big milestone and a call for the SNP-Green administration to take action.

An opportunity to showcase our wonderful city. We look forward to a year of events and celebrations. Starting with a clean and green city that we can all be proud of and attracts worldwide visitors.

Celebrate our past, but it is important that we have confidence in our current and inspiration for a healthy, prosperous and sustainable future.

Let’s promote brand Glasgow home and abroad and everyone who has or does call Glasgow home is invited to the celebration.