Report heaps praise on Milngavie and Bearsden area

The Milngavie and Bearsden area has been praised for its “vibrant town centres and outstanding natural environment.”

It also boasts some of the most desirable neighbourhoods to live in according to a new report, and its residents live longer than average.

The area is also home to some of those with the biggest pay packets in Scotland.

The data was revealed in a regional economic strategy report presented recently to Glasgow Region councillors.

The report said the local area “has a sustainable and resilient local economy focused in vibrant town centres, business parks and enterprise centres.

"Tourism is centred on its outstanding natural and historic environment.

“It is also home to some of the most desirable residential neighbourhoods in Scotland, which is reflected in its residents being amongst the highest earners in Scotland with above-average life expectancy.”

The report also revealed the most “productive” staff are in the North Lanarkshire local authority area, which includes Motherwell, Cumbernauld, Wishaw and Coatbridge.

North Lanarkshire’s strengths include construction, manufacturing and human health and social work activities.

A Glasgow City Region cabinet meeting heard last week it was home to the region’s most productive workforce based on the labour output of Gross Value Add per hour.

The major challenges facing the region as a whole, said the report, include improving productivity, creating an inclusive economy and dealing with climate change.

Problems include too many people having low paid jobs, residents with low skills, not enough businesses and deprivation.

The strategy pointed out strengths of the city region, with eight council locations: Glasgow City Council, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire, East Dunbartonshire, Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire and Inverclyde.

Praising the strategy, Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken,SNP, described it as a “strong piece of work.”

The mission is for the region to have the most “innovative, inclusive and resilient economy in the UK” by 2030 – one that improves living standards equitably.”

It said: “We are determined to forge a more balanced economy – one that improves living standards in a just and equitable manner. This will come, in part, from our commitment to community wealth building to deliver resilient communities that reap the benefits of local assets and spending.”