population health generally and the other is to reduce inequalities in health. The report also mentions the 1999 Towards a Healthier Scotland (TAHS) report which has three levels of action, two of which are relevant. One is to address the wider socioeconomic determinants of health and the other is to tackle lifestyle choices (for example by encouraging more exercise)6 The economic strategy for Glasgow, ‘Glasgow’s Continuing Prosperity- A Joint Economic Strategy for Glasgow 2003-2005’ states in the executive summary that economic growth for the city is to be above the national average for Scotland over the next three years7. This comes with the forewarning that economic growth should include more of the people and communities of Glasgow and that more derelict and vacant land must be transformed for development. The strategy continues to assert that economic inclusion is one of the main goals, alongside maximising linkages between health/social projects and training and employment programmes. Another worthwhile statement to add is that the Clyde is seen to be the city’s main ‘territorial asset’ (according to the OECD8). The strategy asserts that continued prosperity will be secured through sustainable economic growth and social inclusion. The ‘Changing Gear Towards 2010- An Economic Strategy for Lanarkshire’ delivers the areas proposals9. In recent years the area has transformed itself from heavy industry through new and existing business developments. However Lanarkshire remains in economic transition. Success has been found in regenerating derelict land (the Derelict Land Strategy originated in the previous economic strategy). This means that from 1996 the total derelict land has fallen from 32% to 20% in 2002 (of Scotland’s total derelict land). The strategy states that an attractive local environment is a key part of future prosperity. The strategy also points to the area’s rural land being an ‘opportunity’ due to it being ‘attractive’. It is pointed to that more work could be done to shed the areas image of heavy industrial usage something that persists despite the regeneration and natural beauty in Lanarkshire. In the action plan it is stated that Objective 2 is regenerating land and providing a quality environment achieved through reclaiming derelict land, supporting the creation of the central forest and reviving rural areas.
Tourism development Other Relevant Strategies There are a wide range of other local plans and strategies which are important documents when considering the development of the Green Network. The following paragraphs outline the key documents considered in the development of the Green Network Strategy: •
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Both Glasgow’s and North Lanarkshire’s Access Strategies promote walking and cycling as part of a healthy lifestyle and as a key method of developing a more
http://www.healthscotland.com/uploads/documents/PEAStrategy20052008.pdf p2 http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/85658FF8-F557-4809-A3B79067F97B033D/0/joint_economic_strategy_2003.pdf 8 OECD: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. 9 http://www.local-economic-forum.com/lanarkshire/discussion/Changing%20Gear%20towards%202010%20%20An%20Economic%20Strategy%20for%20Lanarkshire.pdf 7