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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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