Take the lead from Liverpool

ONE is famous for The Beatles, Brookside and the Ferry Across The Mersey, the other, despite the changing times, will be forever associated with jute, jam and journalism (see pages 4&5).

Liverpool has “been there, done that and bought the T-shirt” when it comes to repositioning itself as a major tourist destination.

So clearly Dundee, as it aims to capitalise on the regeneration of its Waterfront and the opening of the V&A museum, can learn much from the port on England’s north-west coast.

Liverpool is a former European Capital of Culture, the City of Discovery has its eyes on a similar prize, and both communities have a rich heritage of seafaring.

There are similarities too in the way they have been left facing the task of rebuilding themselves economicaly.

Hopefully this common ground will help make a fact-finding mission to Merseyside by a delegation from Dundee a hugely valuable venture.

As it stands on the brink of a whole new exciting chapter in its history, every insight, shared experience and nugget of advice from those who have already been over the course will be vital to the city.

It is not in a position — yet — to boast Liverpool’s international appeal, but it has its own cultural icons, an identity unique in the world and a fantastic history.

And most important of all it has a vision for a new future backed-up by people with the drive and determination to turn it into a reality.

Seeing what Liverpool has achieved in a relatively short space of time will no doubt inspire all those who believe in Dundee’s renaissance — and even the doubters — to make sure it happens.