Community, heritage, sustainability and tourism : a practical exploration for future regeneration in post-industrial case-studies along the River Clyde

Abstract

This research focuses on the role of heritage in community regeneration, particularly in how sustainable heritage can address issues of community cohesion in post-industrial areas. It highlights the importance of grassroots knowledge and traditions when planning future sustainable projects, allowing individuals within communities to feel represented and supported. It also attempts to constructively critique local heritage and tourism policy documents which can be referenced and used in planning and evaluating future work, to help establish the wider context. To provide different community outlooks, two case-study communities are considered, namely New Lanark and Greenock, which are located by the River Clyde. Noted for its outstanding natural and cultural heritage, this region is also known for its hard-pressed communities – a legacy of the collapse of heavy industry with subsequent unemployment and social hardship. This exploration engages with approaches to heritage, regeneration, and tourism, conducting research with and not just on local communities – the overall aim being to provide a deeper insight into community life and potential future heritages to help inform public policy and future sustainable projects. The relationship with visitors and tourists to the area is further considered, critiquing and adding to already established local policy documents and strategies. The originality of this work is in providing evidence and insights from local communities through ‘dialogic engagement’ (Kindon et al., 2007, p. 2) and reflexive methods, where adapting to difficult Covid pandemic circumstances were required. This disruption was turned into an opportunity, detailing an adaptive research process which provides deeper insights and information about local community concerns which would have otherwise been unknown or lost to time. Some of the observations included revelations about tensions between parties, a need for further marketing and promotion, an emotional attachment to place that can transcend geographical boundaries (Castells, 2005, p. 4), and a need for intervention to encourage working together. Particular focus is also given to the concepts of social capital, place attachment and identity which through community empowerment and participation can contribute to providing support for future sustainable projects.