MEDIA CENTRE

Facts and Figures

The West of Scotland Facts and Figures

• The population of the West of Scotland is 2.2 million.
• The Population of the City of Glasgow is 620,000.
• The West of Scotland has four universities, twenty-four higher and further higher education institutions.
• The West of Scotland enjoys good communications and transport links.
• The City of Glasgow is second only to London as an art centre, boasting a host of theatres, galleries and museums.
• The City of Glasgow has a total student population in excess of 150,000, second only to London in the UK.
• With its spectacular coastline, rolling hills and beautiful countryside, the West of Scotland is one of Scotlands key tourist areas
• Glasgow has the fastest rate of growth for foreign visitors of all UK tourist destinations.
• An estimated 10 million tourists visit the West of Scotland annually.
• Cultural attractions include the Burrell Collection, Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.
• Places of interest include Turnberry and Troon championship golf courses, Culzean Castle, Burns Cottage and Ayr Racecourse, Dumbarton Castle, Balloch Castle and Country Park, and Paisley Abbey.
• The area boasts some of the best sports and leisure activities available in Scotland, ranging from ice-hockey to windsurfing and inshore or coastal sailing.
• Outdoor Attractions include the Falls of Clyde, Strathclyde Park, Muirshiel Country Park Scottish Wildlife Reserves on the shores of the River Clyde and numerous country parks and heritage centres.
• Loch Lomond, Scotlands first National Park, is the West of Scotlands greatest natural asset renowned world-wide for its spectacular and breathtaking natural beauty.
• The region has a over 100 quality coastal links and inland golf courses
• The City of Glasgow is the largest retail centre outside London.
• There is a good supply of competitively priced, quality housing .
• Commuter times are shorter than many other European destinations.
• Average weekly earnings in the area are above the Scottish average.
• The West of Scotland includes the Scottish Enterprise local area offices of Glasgow, Ayrshire, Dunbartonshire, Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire.

To see a map of the West of Scotland, please click on the Location Maps section of this website.