A YEAR-long celebration is planned for 2015 to mark Glasgow's ambition to be one of the top green cities in Europe.

At its heart will be the 250th anniversary of engineer James Watt's 'eureka moment' in Glasgow Green which sparked the Industrial Revolution.

Earlier this year, the city was shortlisted for the title Green Capital of Europe.

The title went to Bristol but Glasgow is determined to build on the work it has done to boost its green credentials.

Spearheading the celebrations is Liz Cameron, the city council's executive spokesman for jobs and the economy.

She believes Glasgow can benefit as much from the emerging green industries as it did from James Watt imagining a kind of steam engine as he cros- sed Glasgow Green in 1765.

His brainwave was the inspiration which led to a huge leap forward in engineering.

In 2015, Glasgow will celebrate Watt's contribution to science and engineering in the city and the green revolution which is taking inspiration from his work. As part of the celebrations, Glasgow Green will host a festival celebrating all aspects of the city's science and engineering heritage.

It will also focus on how these skills are sought after in the areas of renewable energy and low carbon living, making the city a world leader.

It is also planned to draw up an arts and culture programme to celebrate the Dear Green Place.

Schools throughout the city will take part in a number of education programmes looking at sustainable development and green spaces.

It is also hoped to attract a variety of conferences and seminars including key European conferences on greener living.

A project manager will be appointed to draw up a programme of events in 2015.

Mrs Cameron said: "Glasgow is a post-industrial city but is undergoing a transformation which could be a beacon to the rest of Europe.

"We are looking to go from the industrial revolution to the green revolution.

"As part of the 2015 Green Year we will be working with universities and colleges to attract young women in particular into sciences, education, mathematics and technology.

"We need to set up school projects and want people to get involved in our parks and gardens.

"We would like to see projects aimed at conserving the bumblebee population and the coun- cil is looking at the possibility of having hives on rooftops.

"Glasgow has gone through a lot and there are a lot of things to change but we are getting there and have ideas."

vivienne.nicoll@eveningtimes.co.uk