A MARINE industry park which is forecast to bring nearly 1,000 jobs to the River Clyde at Old Kilpatrick has been highlighted as an example of how new projects are reviving the river’s economy.

An engineering company’s plans for the site featured at a recent conference, at which the government announced a plan to ensure the Clyde plays a key role in Scotland ’s future economic success.

The Malin Group plans to create the Scottish Marine Technology Park (SMTP) in the shadow of the Erskine Bridge.

Speaking at the State of the City Economy Conference in Glasgow, economy secretary Derek Mackay highlighted the Old Kilpatrick plan, plus the Queens Quay regeneration project on the site of the former John Brown shipyard in Clydebank, as examples of regeneration already under way.

The “Clyde mission” seeks to boost the river’s traditional strengths in shipping, shipbuilding and marine engineering, while aiming to help new sectors flourish and breathe life into derelict land alongside the waterway.

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It will also aim to attract fresh investment, building on major projects coming to fruition on the back of the £500 million Glasgow City Region Deal.

Jonathan McColl, leader of West Dunbartonshire Council, said: “Maximising the economic potential of the Clyde is vital to local regeneration. West Dunbartonshire Council will continue to play our part through this initiative and the City Deal to ensure that we and our neighbours see the tangible benefits of our partnership working.”

Climate change will be at the heart of the strategy, said Mr Mackay, who pledged measures to protect the Clyde “corridor” from flooding, and to ensure the river can be used more.

The minister emphasised that tackling inequality would be part of the drive.

Around 115,000 people live within 500 metres on either side of the river, with 30,000 firms supporting 160,000 jobs in the area.

He added: “One in four of the population who live in those areas are within the 15 per cent most deprived in Scotland. When we are looking at the Clyde strategy, inclusive growth is so important.”