A marine industry park which is forecast to bring nearly 1,000 jobs to the River Clyde at Old Kilpatrick has been highlighted as example of how new projects are reviving the river's economy.

An engineering company's plans for the site featured at a conference in Glasgow at which the Government announced a plan to ensure the Clyde plays a key role in Scotland ’s future economic success.

The Malin Group plans to create the Scottish Marine Technology Park (SMTP) in the shadow of the Erskine Bridge.

Speaking at the State of the City Economy Conference in Glasgow, economy secretary Derek Mackay highlighted the Old Kilpatrick plan, plus the Queens Quay regeneration project on the site of the former John Brown shipyard in Clydebank, as examples regeneration already under way.

The “Clyde mission” seeks to boost the river’s traditional strengths in shipping, shipbuilding and marine engineering, while aiming to help new sectors flourish and breathe life into derelict land alongside the waterway.

It will also aim to attract fresh investment, building on major projects coming to fruition on the back of the £500 million Glasgow City Region Deal.

Climate change will be at the heart of the strategy, said Mr Mackay, who pledged measures to protect the Clyde “corridor” from flooding, and to ensure the river can be used more by residents and visitors.

The minister emphasised that tackling inequality would be part of the drive.

Around 115,000 people live within 500 metres on either side of river, with 30,000 firms supporting 160,000 jobs in the area.

But he added: “One in four of the population who live in those areas are within the 15 per cent most deprived in Scotland.

“When we are looking at the Clyde strategy, inclusive growth is so important.”

There are 250 sites of vacant and derelict land, spanning 400 hectares, which ministers hope to capitalise on.

Mr Mackay said preparing those areas for the effects of climate change, including defences against flooding, must be part of the strategy.

The conference was opened by Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council, who said the city must strive to ensure a “just transition” for citizens as it bids to become carbon neutral by 2030.

Declaring that climate change, sustainability and carbon reduction are the “issues of our time”, Ms Aitken said: “We need to replace our old industries before they become obsolete.

“We’ve been here before with the fall-out from the decline of our heavy industries.

"But… this time we know what’s coming.

"And if we are to avoid the disastrous social impacts of past experience and ensure a just transition to a de-carbonised society, it must be planned for.”