CHANGING OBJECTIVES IN SCOTTISH NEW TOWNS POLICY

ABSTRACT

The construction of new towns in Scotland became a matter of government policy after the passage of the New Towns Act, 1946. These New Towns were initially conceived as serving three quite different purposes in the rehousing of excess population from the Clydeside conurbation, the accommodation of workers for planned industrial development, and the rehabilitation of small, depressed industrial communities. In addition, there was the hope that all new towns, built for whatever purpose, would stimulate new industrial development to offset the decline in traditional activities. In both the planning and the construction of New Towns, the first purpose has received the greatest emphasis but it is as industrial growth points that the New Towns have scored their greatest successes.