Scotland’s Towns Conference takes place this Thursday and this year’s theme – ‘Investment and Innovation: Delivering for Scotland’s Economy’ – comes at a critical moment for our towns and city centres. It reflects the practical decisions we face in planning and investment to ensure we deliver places that work for people and for Scotland’s wider economy.
As Glasgow celebrates its 850th year, we will gather to explore how towns and cities can support local prosperity and remain liveable over the long term. STC25 brings together leaders, practitioners, community organisations and placemakers from across Scotland. Through panel discussions, workshops, walking tours and international perspectives, we will examine a central question: How do we build places that succeed socially, culturally, economically and sustainably? We are delighted that we will be launching the updated version of ‘Understanding Scottish Places’ at this year’s conference which will help us understand more about our places.
The Art of the Possible: Learning from Comeback Cities
The idea of the ‘comeback city’ offers a useful perspective. These are places that face major challenges but respond with ambition and collaboration rather than retreat.
Copenhagen provides a striking example. After a sharp decline in tourism, the city implemented a recovery plan focused on:
- Rebuilding visitor confidence
- Adapting to new market behaviours
- Ensuring tourism benefits local communities
- Embedding sustainability as a core strength
The principles from this exemplar are clear; planning with purpose, shared ownership and the courage to rethink traditional approaches that will drive meaningful recovery.
Glasgow’s Moment of Renewal
Glasgow is at a similar turning point. Its city centre has struggled with footfall and economic activity, yet it retains assets many cities would envy: distinctive architecture, rich culture and a strong identity. Emerging plans to reinvigorate the city centre and invest in the public realm reflect the same principles seen in other comeback cities: How can a place use its strengths to drive renewal? And, how embracing our local assets is critical in driving success at a local level.
Glasgow, like many Scottish places, has the foundations for recovery. What matters now is the combination of all factors which we will discuss at Scotland’s Towns Conference 2025. These include targeted investment, innovative use of space, cross-sector partnerships, community involvement and a clear long-term vision.
A National Conversation for Local Futures
Every town and city in Scotland has its own unique circumstances, yet they share a common challenge: remaining economically resilient while continuing to be vibrant, liveable places.
Scotland’s Towns Conference 2025 offers a platform to explore this together. We’ll examine sustainable finance and investment models, create collaborations that can future-proof our neighbourhoods, and discuss the ways innovation can support fairness, resilience and long-term growth.
Whether you work in local government, business, community development, planning, culture or economic strategy, I look forward to seeing you this Thursday to explore what becomes possible when ambition, investment and collaboration come together.
Scotland’s towns and places are already showing their potential for renewal — Scotland’s Towns Conference 2025 is our opportunity to connect, share and turn that potential into reality.
Kimberley Guthrie, Chief Officer, Scotland’s Towns Partnership
