Glasgow - Industrial Change
During the 1980s, the ship building industry declined and led to several impacts.
Economical impacts
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Loss of income for the workers
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A loss of government income tax
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Rising demand for income-support benefits
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Migration – brain drain – skilled workers leave
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Loss of income for local shops and services
Social impacts
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Alcoholism
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Increased levels of crime
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Family breakdown - tensions
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High unemployment
Environmental impacts
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Derelict land – unaesthetically pleasing
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Empty factory building – litter
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Global pollution – environmental issue pushed overseas
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Less water usage
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Reduction in noise and air pollution locally
Diversification
Means creating varied industries and economic activities. Then, if one fails, it won’t affect the others.
The problem which faced Glasgow was that all of its main industries were linked.
The Scottish Government, UK and EU have provided financial grants to help kick start a programme of diversification.
The following tertiary and quaternary industries have expanded:
Arts, Culture and tourism
- Creation of a international famous art museum to attract tourists
- Scottish Exhibition and conference centre
- Glasgow Science Centre
- Increased employment through tourism because of hotels and restaurants
Mixed-use developments
- Investment from private property developers led to new riverside flats along the River Clyde with shops and restaurants
Media
- New BBC Headquarters for Scotland's TV and radio broadcasting.
- Commercial broadcaster STV located nearby
