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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Andrew Smart

Glasgow named one of the UK's best 'comeback towns' amid Clyde 'rebirth'

Glasgow has been named one of the best and most exciting "comeback towns" in the UK over the "rebirth" of the city's Clydeside area.

The list looked at several spots across Britain including Hull and Plymouth which have demonstrated an ability to evolve following an era of decline.

Glasgow, which was at the top of the list, was praised for its ability to build something bigger and better in the wake of deindustrialisation.

Glasgow named one of the best 'comeback towns' in the UK

The National: Glasgow's ex-dockyards have been 'radically redefined'.Glasgow's ex-dockyards have been 'radically redefined'. (Image: Getty)

Speaking of the "comeback town," iNews, which compiled the UK list, said: "Glasgow’s evolution is the epitome of a comeback. Its post-Second World War blight, once the bottom fell out of the shipbuilding business that had previously rendered it the wealthiest city in the British Empire, is well documented.

"Glaswegians often quote that 'the Clyde made Glasgow and Glasgow made the Clyde'. And, sure enough, it was the rebirth of the city’s river area from an abandoned dockyard district to a suave new strip embodying Glasgow chic that radically redefined the Scottish metropolis.

"The roster of new riverside attractions added since the late 80s includes the SEC Centre, Scotland’s largest exhibition space and the striking Riverside Museum, telling the story of Glasgow through a varied transport collection and other exhibits, and now one of the nation’s top paid-for visitor attractions.

"Combined domestic and foreign city tourism, despite the Covid pandemic, rose to 2.65 million in 2022 from 2.5 million in 2019."

Other locations like Hull, Plymouth and Blaenau Ffestiniog in Wales were named on the list.

Hull was praised for emboldening its "Maritime magic" and for being able to "silence critics" in recent years with efforts to improve the town.

Blaenau Ffestiniog was also noted for transforming itself from a centre of the slate industry to a thrill-seeking paradise.

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