VACANT shops in the city centre have become a ­problem in recent years with the various challenges facing the retail trade.

While Glasgow is still thriving as a shopping destination, attracting and keeping the big names in the city, there are a worrying number of empty units, especially in the streets surrounding the hotspots and shopping centres.

The idea of rolling, short-term leases is one that needs to be given careful consideration, which could have benefits for all concerned.

A new business gets premises without the risk of a long-term commitment, the owner gets income until a long-term tenant is found and the city gets rid of empty shops, which also adversely affects the surrounding businesses.

As well as encouraging more city centre living in the unused upper floors of many buildings, more creative and imaginative uses need to be found for the eye-level, ground-floor retail units.

Glasgow city centre is a diverse and successful environment, but it is one which needs the city to be constantly thinking of new ideas to ensure it stays one step ahead of the competition.