Angus economic recovery is strong

There are clear signs that the economic recovery is strong in Angus. North Angus has been particularly buoyant in the last year with investment by multi-nationals GE Oil and Gas and GlaxoSmithKline as well as a number of businesses new to the area developing at the council owned Forties Road Industrial Estate and at Brechin Business Park.

Montrose Port is investing in improvements to the capacity of its North Quays and one of the largest business occupants of the port, Rix Shipping (Scotland) Ltd, has proposals for major investment in their facilities. A further sign of faith in this economic upturn is the proposal by the John Lawrie Group to develop 50 hectares of employment land at the former Montrose Airfield.

It is not just North Angus which sees private sector interest in employment land provision. Similar interest exists in Carnoustie where Angus Estates has intimated its intent to revisit development off Carlogie Road, also at Kirriemuir where Delson Contracts has invested in business premises as well as employment land. Continuing investment at Orchardbank in Forfar by the joint venture between Angus Council and Muir Group has enabled development of the soon to be opened Marstons pub and restaurant, the Dunnichen Stone, as well as a new KFC.

The economic resurgence is also apparent in existing and proposed investments in tourism. Kinnettles Castle is now fully established as a four plus star boutique hotel. Outline consent has also been granted for a new motel facility at Stracathro and both Piperdam and Kingennie resorts are in the process of exciting new expansions including the establishment of the five star Angus Hotel Golf Course and Academy at Kingennie.