Tourist hot spot

Apr 4 2008

Now that so much economic development activity is being foisted off from Scottish Enterprise to local authorities, there seems no end to the ambition of some of Scotland's regions.

East Renfrewshire, for one, has announced they plan to boost their income - from eco-tourism.

Not that tourism, eco or otherwise, is that big a money spinner in Barrhead and Giffnock. Even the council admits it isn't "high profile" although a report finds it brings in £20m to the local economy. According to "tourism experts" in the region, this could be boosted by a further £10m.

East Renfrewshire councillors say attractions such as Fereneze Braes, Greenbank Gardens, Neilston Pad and Rouken Glen Park are "well established" attractions.

Plans for an urban sports village and maybe even a holocaust memorial centre "could all make a real difference to tourism in the area". Economic development convener, councillor Tony Buchanan said: "With some careful planning East Renfrewshire could be an attractive location for visitors."