Montrose Port Authority (MPA) has welcomed the aspirations outlined in the Tay Cities Deal bid as providing real opportunities for the Angus port through improved transport infrastructure and the development of oil and gas decommissioning activities.
According to Nik Scott-Gray, chief executive of MPA, an upgraded road link between Montrose and the A90, combined with a new railhead for the town, would provide a major economic boost by turning the port into a modern cargo handling hub for the east coast of Scotland.
“We are handling an increasingly diverse range of cargoes at the port, both for import and export, and it is essential that we have modern and efficient transport infrastructure to support this growth,” he said.
“We are delighted that there is the commitment in the Tay Cities Deal bid for such transport improvements and the challenge now is to ensure that these are delivered.”
Mr Scott-Gray also welcomed the commitment given in the Tay Cities Deal bid to build a world class oil and decommissioning industry. The bid outlines the need for the region to become a multi-disciplinary, internationally recognised centre of excellence in decommissioning.
“Oil and gas decommissioning is going to become a major economic activity over the coming years and Montrose port is well placed to serve this need. Strategic support for such work would be extremely beneficial and help create new jobs in this part of Angus and beyond.”
The Tay Cities Deal is a partnership between local, Scottish and UK governments and the private, academic and voluntary sectors which seeks to create a smarter and fairer Angus, Dundee, Fife and Perth & Kinross.
In total the 56 projects submitted require investment of £1.84 billion of which £826 million (45%) over 10 years is being sought from the Scottish and UK governments and their agencies. If every project and programme set out in the submission is funded and delivered, up to 15,000 job opportunities could be created across tourism, food and drink, creative industries, eco innovation, digital, decommissioning, engineering, biomedical and health and care.
More information on Montrose Port Authority at www.montroseport.co.uk
Montrose Port Authority
Nestling in a sheltered haven on the river Esk, within a mile of open sea, the thriving port of Montrose offers a cost-effective alternative for vessels using Scotland's East Coast.
