By Tony Booth

There are fantastic bargains to be had along the Clyde Coast, but they are being snapped up fast ahead of what many predict will develop into a major property boom over the next year or so.

When considering Scotland, most probably look to the country's three principal cities - Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen - as worthy destinations for investing their money. But just like other major cities throughout the UK, property prices in these desirable locations are already sky-high. Cash flow issues and the unpredictability of an overheated market therefore complicate the formulation of a sound capital investment strategy. While there is no doubt each of these cities have 'hotspot' potential, they are now simmering rather than coming up to boil.

Conversely, some of the coastal areas of Scotland present red-hot prospects for capital growth - though speculators need to act fast, because some of these areas are already displaying a substantial acceleration of property values.

Girvan