Linlithgow Aspires – our town, our future – let's make it happen

Below is a summary of presentation given by David Keddie at the “next steps” meeting held at Linlithgow Academy, 8th October 2009. Further details of the meeting, outcomes and next steps to follow shortly.

David Keddie:

“How would the process pan out……………..?

Visioning + community engagement……………the timeline is crucial!

The structure of the approach provides a guide for:

• Understanding + setting out the context
• Stating the constraints, gaps + opportunities
• Stating the factual baseline position
• Setting out a vision + its interpretation as a strategy approach
• Setting out options + the way of choosing the community’s preferred one
• Moving forward to give a plan of action

The Plan of Action must:

• Encourage community contributions + engagement
• Set out the basis of working through subject or work-stream groups
• Set out tasks for action
• State a timescale……feedback within 8wks…….providing an early Christmas present for Linlithgow!

Can this show measurable benefits……..?

Yes measured by increases or improvements in the following:

• Visitor numbers
• Visitor spending
• Visitor satisfaction
• Visitor accommodation room occupancy rates
• Employment + jobs
• Income levels – people + businesses
• Turnover in shops + businesses + other service providers
• Shop unit occupancy rates
• Environmental conditions + quality of life

Research elsewhere shows that it is realistically possible to increase centre turnover by 5-10% (+ most optimistically 15%) through a package of economic + environmental improvements.”