Views sought on Brechin transport hub proposals

Engagement with Brechin and Inveresk community councils will consider proposals for the Angus Rural Mobility Hub, a clean growth business park which would integrate zero carbon energy systems with mobility services, particularly for rural service provision.

The proposal shows how the 25-hectare facility will focus on opportunities including an EV charging infrastructure, bus and HGV sustainable biogas and hydrogen fuels, car sharing, logistics and business space to support the decarbonisation of vehicles and create local jobs through skills and training opportunities, as well as provide logistics support for agricultural businesses and enterprises.

Receiving funding from the UK Government’s £26.5 million Angus Fund, as part of the Tay Cities Region Deal, the proposers say that the hub has the potential to deliver a step change in clean transport infrastructure while creating skills and new career opportunities.

Councillor Beth Whiteside, council leader, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to hear the views from the community councils and those who live in Brechin, on the proposals for the new Rural Mobility Hub.

“The proposed development highlights Brechin as the ideal location between Dundee and Aberdeen, and to be able to work with the private sector to explore the possibilities of combining zero carbon energy systems with mobility services is inspiring.”

Simon Ramsay, of Dalhousie Estates, said that community engagement is important to the development process.

He said: “We’re really keen to engage with local communities to ensure the design of the proposed hub is shaped by consultation and provides services and opportunities that support the communities of Brechin, Inveresk and the wider Angus Glens. We are particularly keen to develop skills and training that can lead to jobs within the renewables sector as Angus and the wider Tay region adapt to climate change.”

Malcolm Offord, UK Government Minister for Scotland, added: “The Rural Mobility Hub creates an exciting opportunity to provide eco-friendly transport infrastructure that will transform the region and bring new skills and job opportunities.

“It is important that community voices are heard during a project’s planning stages and I encourage locals to have their say.

“The hub - backed by UK Government funding through the Tay Cities Deal - is part of our £2 billion investment to level-up across Scotland.”

The Brechin Business Park expansion site is set to provide the infrastructure, services and skills program that supports Angus Council’s long-term ambition to drive sustainable development, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency and create renewable solutions for transportation and energy across Angus and the wider Tay Cities region.