Glasgow Airport Archives - Paisley Scotland

GLASGOW Airport is today ramping up its efforts in the battle against single-use plastic by offering staff free refillable water bottles.

More than 5,300 people work in and around the airport and each one, from pilots to aircraft engineers and cabin crew to security guards, will be encouraged to pick up one of the reusable bottles.

Pupils from a Glasgow primary school, known nationwide as anti-plastic campaigners the Sunnyside Ocean Defenders, visited the airport to help hand out the branded bottles.

Kirsty Webster, Glasgow Airport’s Sustainability Assurance Manager, said: “There’s a heightened awareness of single use plastics and the devastating effects they are having on our environment and oceans.

“As a responsible business we are committed to reducing our environmental impact. We do this by offering a number of re-usable solutions as part of our own drive to reduce single-use plastics across the airport.

“Many of our catering outlets within the terminal have already moved away from the use of plastic straws and we are keen to keep pushing this forward.

“The introduction of the reusable bottles builds on the other waste management initiatives we already have in place, including the provision of free water refill stations in the airport. Our retailers will also fill up water bottles on request.”

The Sunnyside Ocean Defenders have made the headlines nationwide through their ‘#NaeStrawAtAw’ campaign. The pupils were invited to the airport back in May last year to spread their message and highlight the many alternatives to plastic straws to our caterers, staff and passengers.

“The Sunnyside Ocean Defenders’ visit last year was really popular and I’m a huge fan of their campaign, so I was thrilled they were able to come back in again to help hand out the reusable bottles and reinforce the message,” Kirsty added.

In 2014, Glasgow Airport formed an action group involving all retailers to develop a Charter which became known as ‘Keep It Clean Behind the Scenes’. Through the Charter, more than 600 retail staff from over 30 businesses receive regular training on how to manage waste effectively and increase recycling.

Loganair cabin Crew, Jaymie Elliot and Linda McClean pictured with pupils from Sunnyside school, Artur Wrobel and Kennedy Brown.
Picture by Chris James 5/2/19

Lisa Perrie, Principal Teacher at Sunnyside Primary School, said: “The children were really excited about coming back to help support this campaign. Kirsty and the airport team deserve real credit for making what is a significant commitment to fund the introduction of more than 5000 reusable bottles for staff. It sends a powerful message that we can each take steps to help to cut down on single-use plastic.”

A single plastic bottle will take 450 years to degrade. According to Zero Waste Scotland, approximately 15,000 tonnes of plastic bottles are currently sent to landfill each year across the country.

Jill Farrell, Chief Operating Officer, Zero Waste Scotland said: “Single-use plastic bottles are one of the most recognisable symbols of the throwaway culture we live in. We applaud Glasgow Airport’s decision to hand out re-usable water bottles as these will give their staff the joy of using them again and again, while saving single-use plastic bottles from ending up in the landfill.

“If we are serious about putting an end to single-use plastic pollution, then we must find sustainable alternatives, such as re-usable water bottles, and recycle as much as we can. Eco-friendly alternatives such as these not only help to protect the environment, but also save consumers money.”

More information on all Zero Waste Scotland’s programmes can be found at https://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/.

06/02/2019/by Brian McGuire

Plans for one of the largest wind farm developments in Scotland have been given the green light following the installation of a state-of-the-art radar system at Glasgow Airport.

Together with air traffic services company, NATS, and Banks Renewables, Glasgow Airport has introduced a new radar earlier that can mitigate the impact of the Kype Muir Wind Farm near Strathaven, South Lanarkshire. The development will generate 88.4MW of renewable energy from its 26 turbines.

NATS will manage the dual Terma SCANTER 4002 radar system which is capable of supporting air traffic control requirements and mitigating the impact of the turbines. The system is now operational and NATS has secured the contract to operate and maintain the service for the 25-year life of the wind farm.

Due to their height and movement patterns, wind turbines can have a range of impacts on navigational systems, including being detected by Primary Surveillance Radar (PSR) and appearing on air traffic control screens. This can have a number of impacts including distracting controllers, masking ‘real’ aircraft and mimicking the appearance of actual aircraft to the extent that they must be avoided by other aircraft. Such impacts can have a detrimental impact on the safety, efficiency and capacity of the airspace surrounding airport.

As a statutory consultee, Glasgow Airport must assess wind farm development proposals up to 50 kilometres away. Importantly, it must ensure any proposed development will not pose a risk to the safety of the 30 airlines who fly over nine million passengers to and from the airport every year.

Glasgow Airport Managing Director Mark Johnston said: “We are very pleased to announce that the system is now fully operational. For the last three years, the Airport’s planning team has been worked extremely hard with our partners from NATS and Banks Renewables to develop this wind turbine mitigation solution in what is a very complex and safety critical environment. Talking about the biggest ambitions for the UK there is also consult the UK’s biggest sports betting community for help with betting tips.

“As well as resolving the issue with Kype Muir, the mitigation may also have the potential to resolve issues with other future wind farm proposals, which can only be of benefit to Scotland’s renewable energy sector.”

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson said: “It’s great to see Glasgow Airport hosting the launch of this new radar system, which is a significant development for aviation safety.

“The new radar is able to distinguish between aircraft and wind turbines situated at Kype Muir Wind Farm, and this technology will be invaluable with the ever-growing sustainable energy sector.”

Andrew Liddell, Technical Director with Banks Renewables, said: “We’re especially thankful to Glasgow Airport for engaging with us to deliver the new radar. This means that not only will our new wind farm stay clear of any radar detection – but other new wind farms may also benefit from this regional solution.

“We also acknowledge how proactive and instrumental the Scottish Government has been in helping deliver such a positive outcome.”

Paul Beat, NATS General Manager at Glasgow Airport, said: ““We’re delighted to have worked with Glasgow Airport, Banks Renewables and TERMA to deliver a mitigation solution that both supports safe and efficient air traffic services, while also allowing this important wind farm development to be built and make a major contribution to the Scottish Government’s renewables strategy.”

Glasgow was one of the first airports in the world to deploy large scale wind turbine mitigation in the form of infill radar and has continued to innovate by deploying single turbine blanking in response to the increasing number of developments.

As a result, it has approved 90% of the 495 wind turbine applications it received between October 2012 and August 2016. These projects have the potential to generate more than 700MW of energy.

31/01/2019/by Brian McGuire

PARTNERS working to deliver a new transport link to Glasgow Airport are developing plans for a Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) scheme, as a potential alternative to a tram train.

PRT – which operates at a number of other airports, including Heathrow – was identified as one of two options for airport access in an original Strategic Business Case in 2016.

Partners now believe that it is likely to emerge as the preferred option and will ask the City Region Cabinet to approve work on an Outline Business Case, to be completed later this year.

A meeting of the project’s Executive Steering Group, on Wednesday, heard that the scheme could be delivered within the existing budget and timescale, being operational 2025.

Leader of Glasgow City Council, Cllr Susan Aitken said: “Improved connectivity to Glasgow Airport is a key priority; however the advice from officers and consultants is that significant questions remain about the deliverability of the current tram train option, particularly in relation to capacity at Central Station.

“As a result, the Executive Steering Group has agreed that additional work should be done to establish an alternative Outline Business Case for a Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) option. This work was not advanced by the previous City Deal Cabinet, but it is now crucial in order to allow us to make a fully informed choice about which of the options in front of us should be progressed.

“I remain committed to a solution that delivers improved public transport connectivity to Glasgow Airport – but I am determined that it should also provide value for money for the city, and deliver the widest possible inclusive economic benefits. I’m confident that we have made significant progress towards that outcome today.”

Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “This is a really positive step forward and recognition that a transport link between Glasgow City Centre, Paisley and Glasgow Airport is critical to the success of the city region economy.

“It is important we get the right solution which takes in to account competing demands on the existing rail network and delivers for the whole of the City Region. In order to ensure we get the right solution, we now have a clear way forward and agreement to look at a business case for a Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system, which can be delivered quickly and finally make the connection between the Airport and the city that business leaders and investors are crying out for.

“Renfrewshire Council is fully supportive of this approach and will be seeking Cabinet approval in the next few weeks to develop an outline business case to deliver a PRT for 2025.”

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson said: “The Scottish Government is committed to the Glasgow City Region Deal and wish to see it succeed, so I’m pleased we have agreement on the way forward for this important project from all members of the Executive Steering Group.

“It’s crucial that improving access to Glasgow Airport is balanced with the needs of the region’s existing transport network. The Personal Rapid Transit system option potentially meets this aim, and I look forward to seeing the revised business case once it’s completed.”

Mark Johnston, managing director at Glasgow Airport, said: “We welcomed the opportunity to meet with the councils and the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Michael Matheson MSP, who convened the meeting to discuss the Glasgow Airport Access Project.

“Over the course of the past 10 years, we have been working with partners to address the long standing issue of access to and from Glasgow Airport. With the recent Jacobs report having confirmed congestion on the M8 has reached record levels there is an acceptance by all involved that doing nothing is not an option.

“We were informed that due to issues around rail capacity the project partners are developing an alternative option. This will be evaluated and we will of course work with the partners to promote the delivery of an effective solution within the agreed timescale.”

Although the detail of a PRT scheme would be developed through the new business case, it would be likely to see passengers use the existing rail network between Central Station and Paisley Gilmour Street – and a second shuttle or pod vehicle between Paisley and the airport.

31/01/2019/by Brian McGuire

– Airport’s chaplaincy service and staff to raise funds for Scotland’s national children’s charity this year –

Children 1st has been chosen as Glasgow Airport Chaplain’s Charity for 2019.

Chaplain Keith Banks and his team will be supported by staff from across the Glasgow Airport campus in raising vital funds throughout this year for Scotland’s national children’s charity.

Keith Banks, who has been the airport’s chaplain since 2009, said: “We have selected Children 1st as the Chaplain’s Charity for 2019 because it is a leader in its field. It does what it says on the tin – puts children first. Supporting this charity will mean making a difference to the lives of children in real need of protection, care and support.

“I’m always incredibly grateful and humbled by the efforts made by my colleagues each year to raise money for the fantastic causes supported by the airport’s chaplaincy service. Our passengers are also very generous and play an important part in raising funds each year.”

Mary Glasgow, Chief Executive of Children 1st, said: “Children and families in Glasgow and across Scotland will be happier and safer in 2019 thanks to Glasgow Airport’s Chaplain’s Charity.

“Children 1st are delighted to have been chosen as the Chaplain’s Charity of the year. Their support will help our work with families and local communities to protect children from harm and to support children to recover from trauma and abuse. It will also support Parentline, our free phone and online service for any family that needs us.”

Last year the airport’s chaplaincy raised a record £7,600 for Glasgow-based Funding Neuro and Reaching Older Adults in Renfrewshire (ROAR). Children 1st together with Keith and his chaplaincy team are hopeful the Chaplain’s Charity total can top £10,000 this year.

Introduced by Keith in 2010, the Chaplain’s Charity has raised almost £68,000 in total for a number of national and local good causes. Previous beneficiaries of the Chaplain’s Charity programme include The Teddy Bear Foundation, CHAS, Robin House Children’s Hospice, Teenage Cancer Trust, The Salvation Army, Wish upon a Star, Make a Wish and the British Heart Foundation.

This year’s fundraising got off to a flying start with a launch day donation of £1787, which was raised through an annual staff survey with Glasgow Airport donating £1 for every person who took part.

To find out more about Children 1st visit: www.children1st.org.uk. If you’d like to support the Glasgow Airport Chaplain’s Charity in 2019 contact chaplaincy@glasgowairport.com

24/01/2019/by Brian McGuire

Glasgow Airport’s Chaplain’s Charity raised more than £7,600 to support two charities based in Glasgow and Renfrewshire in 2018.

Chaplain's Charity 2018 final amount

Chaplain Keith Banks and his team were supported by staff from across the Glasgow Airport campus in raising funds for Glasgow-based Funding Neuro and the Reaching Older Adults in Renfrewshire (ROAR) throughout last year.

Keith Banks, who has been the airport’s chaplain since 2009, said: “We had asked our staff to nominate organisations for the Chaplin’s Charity programme in 2018 and received so many worthwhile suggestions.

“We really struggled to choose just one, so we decided to pick two – one from Glasgow and another from Renfrewshire, given the airport’s close links with both areas.

“It was the first time we’d split the annual charity partnership, but Funding Neuro and ROAR are two fantastic charities which provide different, yet incredibly worthwhile support in the local community.”

Introduced by Keith in 2010, the Chaplain’s Charity has raised almost £60,000 in total for a number of organisations including The Teddy Bear Foundation, CHAS, Robin House Children’s Hospice, Teenage Cancer Trust, The Salvation Army, Wish upon a Star and Make a Wish and the British Heart Foundation.

He added: “As always I’m very grateful to my colleagues across the airport – and of course our incredibly generous passengers – who help raise these vital funds each year.”

Funding Neuro was founded by Bryn Williams, who himself has Parkinson’s Disease, to help fund research and pioneering treatment for devastating neurological conditions including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Motor Neurone Disease, Multiple Sclerosis and brain tumours prevalent in children.

Sharon Kane, Funding Neuro’s chief executive, said: “It has been a privilege to be one of the Chaplain’s charities. Keith and the staff at Glasgow Airport have put in a lot of effort and organised some fabulous events to raise such a fantastic amount.

“The funds raised will help us to continue our work to find the answers to some of the most devastating neurological conditions.”

The aim of ROAR is to tackle loneliness in older age by helping people get out and stay connected with their communities and peers. They operate 25 clubs, projects and services across Renfrewshire including lunch clubs, cinema and exercise classes, reaching almost 1000 older people every week.

Nicola Hanssen, ROAR’s general manager, said: “We are so grateful to have been selected for the Chaplain’s Charity in 2018. It has been a terrific year. We have gained far more than the money.

“It has been a real privilege to get involved with the staff at Glasgow Airport who have been so generous with their time, effort and support. The funds have gone towards keeping our art club operating, which is a lifeline to the members who come from all walks of life and really rely on the companionship there to keep them going.”

To find out more about the work of both charities visit: www.fundningneuro.com, or www.roarforlife.org

Glasgow Airport Chaplain’s Charity 2019 will be unveiled later this month. For more information on the airport’s chaplaincy service contact chaplaincy@glasgowairport.com

12/01/2019/by Brian McGuire

Renfrewshire’s future is bright, despite tough challenges facing all local economies, says Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson.

More than £100million is currently being invested in Paisley town centre cultural venues as part of plans to use the region’s rich heritage to drive its economic regeneration.

Paisley museum

And 2019 signals the start of construction of an advanced manufacturing innovation district next to Glasgow Airport which is set to bring thousands of highly skilled jobs to the region.

“Every high street in every town and in every city is facing tough challenges, but we have a bold vision and are already taking significant steps towards securing Renfrewshire’s long-term economic future,” said Councillor Nicolson.

“This year will see us take the next steps on this exciting journey, working together with the business community and skills agencies as every organisation has an important part to play in delivering a bright economic future for Renfrewshire.”

Glasgow Airport Investment Area manufacturing district

Celebrating the region’s rich traditions – from weaving the paisley pattern to the iconic Paisley Abbey – and establishing Renfrewshire as a key visitor destination are at the centre of the regeneration plans.

New figures show great progress, with visitor numbers more than doubling to 5.3million between 2015 and 2017, while hosting major events attracted record numbers and ploughed £3.5million into the local economy this winter.

Paisley town centre cultural venues are about to undergo a total transformation – including the flagship project turning Paisley Museum into an international-class destination anticipated to attract 125,000 visitors each year.

There’s also been the launch of destination brand Paisley Is showcasing all the area has to offer and new funds rolled out to help grow the cultural sector, encouraging the sustainable growth of local arts, music and other creative organisations.

Alongside this are major infrastructure projects funded through the Glasgow City Region City Deal, including the £39.1million Glasgow Airport Investment Area project, with construction starting in spring on new connections underpinning the site which has already been confirmed as home to two multi-million pound national innovation centres.

Councillor Nicolson added: “I’m immensely proud that Renfrewshire will once again be the beating heart of Scottish manufacturing, soon to be home to national innovation centres transforming the future of manufacturing and inspiring future generations.

“And as the town centre cultural venue work progresses, we are already seeing the positive impact of our focus on culture and tourism as visitor numbers have increased exponentially and events like Paisley’s Halloween Festival are proving immensely popular, drawing on our rich history and attracting large local, national and international audiences.”

Renfrewshire already boasts an employment rate outstripping its city region neighbours, while weekly earnings for Renfrewshire residents exceed the national average.

And the council has committed a further £4.5million until 2022 to provide business support and help people into employment.

Building on the success of business incubator InCube, 2019 will see the launch of Start-Up Street – providing low cost workspaces helping companies make the leap into their first commercial premises.

Councillor Nicolson added: “We’ve committed long-term funding for business development and to help people find and sustain employment. Our focus is on inclusive growth, ensuring we target support to the people and places most in need so that we can make the greatest difference and improve the opportunities for future generations of Renfrewshire residents.

“Renfrewshire has so much to offer and it is our priority to make it a place people want to visit, live, work and invest in. The next year will see more houses built and we will continue to listen to what our communities tell us they want and need, ensuring everyone benefits as the economy grows.”

01/01/2019/by Brian McGuire

Paul McCartney returns to Glasgow for his first Scottish show in almost a decade today (Friday) and some talented local young people will be joining him on stage.

the beatles

The group from Paisley Grammar School have been selected to perform on stage at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow during the finale of Paul McCartney’s ‘Freshen Up’ show.

The twenty-four pupils from the school will join the Beatles legend to sing the chorus part of the Christmas classic ‘Wonderful Christmastime’ in front of a sold-out crowd of over 10,000 people.

Mollie Quinn, a third year pupil at the school said “We’re so excited to be given the opportunity to perform at the SSE Hydro. The whole group have been working really hard rehearsing.”

Second year pupil, Emma Loney added “It’s an amazing opportunity to be part of something special.”

Head of Expressive Arts at Paisley Grammar, Andrew Dickie said the pupils have been rehearsing very hard this week with only a couple of days’ notice to prepare. He added “To perform in the SSE Hydro in front of a sold-out crowd is a once in a lifetime opportunity – and a great way to end the term.”

Paul McCartney’s last concerts in London and Birmingham took place in 2015 and were part of his Out There world tour, which ran from 2013 – 2015. His last visit to Scotland was in 2010 at Hampden Park.

Education and Children’s Services Convenor, Councillor Jim Paterson said: “This is an incredible opportunity for our young people to be involved in a large-scale production – something that very few people ever get to experience.

“Opportunities like this really showcase the wealth of talent we have in our Renfrewshire schools and I wish all the pupils the very best of luck.”

14/12/2018/by Brian McGuire

Venture Scotland awarded lump sum to ensure more than 60 pupils from 8 local secondary schools take part in life-changing outdoor personal development programme –

Sixty four pupils from eight secondary schools will take part in an outdoor personal development programme thanks to a lump sum award of £23, 398 from the FlightPath Fund.

The pupils, drawn from schools across Glasgow, Renfrewshire, East and Dunbartonshire, will take part in Venture Scotland’s Etive Awards outdoor-based personal development programme next year.

The programme will take place throughout 2019 and includes an activity days at either Pollok Country Park or West Kilbride beach, rock climbing at Neilston Quarry, a three-day residential stay at a bothy based in the Borders and one-to-one sessions to help alleviate any challenges and issues faced by those pupils taking part.

Schools with pupils from the most deprived neighbourhoods will be offered the opportunity to take part in the programme, ensuring those most in need will benefit.

George McConnachie, Glasgow Programme Manager for Venture Scotland, said: “This funding allows us to specifically target pupils from the most vulnerable backgrounds and have an impact which is potentially life-changing for those involved. Our programme is aimed at those dealing with a range of complex issues who struggle in a classroom setting or are at risk of disengaging completely from formal education.

“Thanks to Glasgow Airport’s FlightPath Fund, those young people now have the chance to gain an accredited qualification whilst developing their skills and self-confidence.”

FlightPath Fund Chair Archie Hunter said: “Venture Scotland has built a strong reputation for delivering powerful and effective personal development programmes for some of the most socially and economically-disadvantaged young people in the country.

“The charity’s skilled staff and volunteers have helped thousands of young people to escape poverty, overcome the challenges they face to turn their lives around and to maximise their opportunities.

“We were very impressed with the charity’s application, particularly as it will offer this unique outdoor programme to 64 pupils at 8 schools based in the four local authority areas the FlightPath Fund serves.

“This award to Venture Scotland tops off what has been an absolutely tremendous year for the FlightPath Fund and the many local charities and community groups it has supported in 2018.”

In September this year the Glasgow Airport FlightPath Fund announced plans to award the £25,000 lump sum to one charity or organisation from Glasgow, Renfrewshire, East and West Dunbartonshire.

With the inclusion of the award made to Venture Scotland, the airport’s FlightPath Fund has awarded an impressive £165,000 in support to more than 80 local groups and charities across Glasgow, Renfrewshire, East and West Dunbartonshire.

The dates for next year’s FlightPath Fund meetings are now available on the Glasgow Airport website. To find out more about applying for funding support, visit: www.glasgowairport.com/community

03/12/2018/by Brian McGuire

Extra rotations this winter and next summer good news for business and leisure passengers on Scotland’s only air link with Romania –

Glasgow Airport has today (Tuesday, November 27) welcomed Blue Air’s decision to add a further services to Bucharest on the airline’s winter schedule this year and in summer 2019.

The current winter schedule will increase from two flights per weeks every Thursday and Sunday to include an additional Monday service.

From April 5 next year the summer schedule will increase from three flights per week every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday to include an additional Friday service.

Blue Air’s Bucharest service was first launched at Glasgow Airport in 2015 and the Romanian city continues to be a popular destination for leisure and business travellers.

Paul White, Head of Aviation at Glasgow Airport, said: “Bucharest is one of Romania’s most

culturally-significant cities and is steeped in history. This stunning city is also Romania’s industrial and financial centre, so there continues to be a high demand for these flights from our passengers.

“The Bucharest route is also very popular with Scotland’s thriving Romanian community, given it is Scotland’s only existing flight to the south eastern European country, so Blue Air’s decision to significantly increase its capacity is welcome news indeed.”

Both additional flights this winter and next summer are now on sale. To book visit: www.blueairweb.com

27/11/2018/by Brian McGuire

Ensuring the benefits of Renfrewshire’s ‘buoyant’ economy reach right across the region was the hot topic at the area’s annual Economic Development Conference yesterday (Tuesday 20 November 2018).

More than 150 staff from jobs, skills and economic development agencies attended the popular conference organised by Renfrewshire Council’s economic development team Invest in Renfrewshire, held at Paisley Town Hall, which this year focused on tackling inequalities and delivering inclusive growth.

Delegates heard how Renfrewshire’s economy is greatly improved, with the highest employment rate across the Glasgow city region and more businesses generating a greater turnover than this time last year.

They also learned about new developments and opportunities set to boost the economy even more, including a manufacturing innovation district being developed next to Glasgow Airport and £100million being invested to transform Paisley town centre and its cultural venues.

Jamie Hepburn MSP, Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills delivered the keynote speech.

He said: “The Scottish Government recognises a strong, vibrant and diverse economy is essential to our national prosperity. We are committed to delivering inclusive growth and tackling the inequalities that prevent people from achieving their potential.

“We have invested £48 million to develop a National Manufacturing Institute for Scotland. Located at Inchinnan, Renfrewshire, it will provide support for manufacturing businesses, help to attract investment, and connect all of Scotland’s engineering universities and colleges.

“Our devolved employability support service, Fair Start Scotland, offers a distinctly Scottish approach where participation is voluntary for everyone who chooses to take part. We want the process of finding work and starting a new job to be seen as an opportunity and choosing to take the opportunity of support can’t be driven by fear of sanctions.”

Colleagues from Creative Scotland and the Council’s regeneration team outlined plans to develop Renfrewshire’s creative economy, while delegates also discussed the changing labour market.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “Renfrewshire’s economy is buoyant, and this conference sees the organisations contributing to its success share best practice and consider the next steps.

“We’re helping more people find and sustain work and are working hard to create the conditions which bring new businesses to the area and enable established businesses to grow and innovate.

“Over the next five years we have made a long-term commitment to help people most in need into work and do more to support start-up and early stage businesses with exciting plans in place to grow the creative business sector and attract thousands of high skilled jobs in manufacturing.

“I am pleased that the conference focused on how best to achieve inclusive growth as this is central to improving the opportunities for current and future generations in Renfrewshire. It is vital the area’s economic growth benefits everyone and that’s why we are targeting our resources to communities facing deprivation and to help people unemployed and underemployed.”

Fast facts on the Renfrewshire economy

• Business incubator InCube supports the start-up of 300 new businesses each year

• Programmes to help people into work are rated the best performing in Scotland

• At 76.1%, our employment rate outstrips the entire Glasgow city region

• Weekly earnings for Renfrewshire residents are £28.50 higher than the Scottish average

• Hosting major events this summer boosted the local economy by £1.25million

• 80% of 16-64-year-olds are economically active, but by 2041, our working age population is expected to decrease by 2.1%

• Manufacturing provides employment to 11% of our total workforce with 358 different manufacturing sites in the area, including world-renowned Rolls-Royce and Diageo.

* Renfrewshire Economic Statistics, October 2018

—–

Photo 1 shows the Town Hall conference

Photo 2 shows (l-r): Ruth Cooper, Economic Development Manager, Renfrewshire Council; Jamie Hepburn MSP, Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills, Scottish Government; Alasdair Morrison, Regeneration Manager, Renfrewshire Council and Councillor Marie McGurk, Convener of Renfrewshire’s Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board.

21/11/2018/by Brian McGuire

Follow us on Twitter

Top Posts & Pages

#PositivePaisley

Flickr Photos

Follow us on Twitter

Top Posts & Pages

#PositivePaisley

Flickr Photos

TAGs