A strategy to improve Rutherglen town centre has been given the go-ahead.

At the community and enterprise resource committee on Tuesday, November 7, councillors approved plans for a town centre strategy and action plan.

The strategy follows four previous plans for Hamilton, Blantyre, Cambuslang and Larkhall.

Within the action plan, there are a range of initiatives which the council will pursue with partners to support the vitality and viability of the town centre.

Chair of the community and enterprise resource committee, and Rutherglen South councillor, Robert Brown, praised the plans.

He said: “Can I welcome the report and confirm the point about the setting up of the cross-party and community group ‘Rutherglen 900’ to take this forward with the point of view of the local community. I think there should be a focus on the community as well.”

Councillor Andrea Cowan (Rutherglen Central and North), echoed this, and said: “I’d like to welcome this, it’s obviously very welcome in the area and the Cambuslang plan has improved Cambuslang main street and there have been big improvements.

"And Rutherglen I think starts in a very good position, and I look forward to being involved in the Rutherglen 900 activities and getting stuck onto the steering group activities.”

The strategy recognises a series of objectives for Rutherglen which are consistent with the activity being promoted by Scotland’s Towns Partnerships and others, it will be a collaborative approach across all sectors and is the only way to bring meaningful and sustainable regeneration for the town.

The 900th anniversary of the Charter of the Royal Burgh of Rutherglen, which is the oldest Royal Burgh in Scotland, will be marked in 2026, and the town centre will be a key focus of celebrations to mark this occasion.

A steering group has recently been established to work on this initiative and the action plan will support and complement the growing programme of community-led events leading up to the celebrations.

And the strategy presents a town centre action plan which captures the priorities for Rutherglen and illustrates where resources and activities should be focussed.

Plans to do more to promote cultural assets within the town centre are also being explored with the potential to enhance them over the coming years.

It is intended that the consultative draft will be published and made available for consultation both online and in person during February and March next year.

Following consideration of the feedback received, a finalised strategy will be prepared and presented to the community and enterprise resources committee in June next year.