Montrose is set to become a hub for renewable energy skills with the establishment of a new skills academy. The facility, funded by a £1.25 million investment from the Scottish Government's Tay Cities Industrial Investment Programme, will bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical experience, supporting the region's growing offshore wind industry.

Located within Customs House at Montrose Harbour, the academy will be a collaborative effort between Angus Council, Montrose Port Authority, and Dundee & Angus College. The partnership aims to deliver training courses and provide facilities that meet the increasing demand for skilled workers in the offshore wind, low-carbon technology, and clean growth sectors across the Tay Cities region.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: "Montrose is fast becoming a renewables hub, supported by this latest £1.25 million investment from the Scottish Government.

"Offshore wind holds the keys to delivering a greener and more prosperous future for Scotland. The Scottish Government's Green Industrial Strategy sets out how we maximise the opportunities of net zero by supporting start-ups, reducing barriers to investment and working in partnership with businesses."

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Angus Council Leader, Bill Duff said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to create a facility where employers and skill providers can work together to provide a full spectrum skills development service focused on industrial energy transition, and to support the growing offshore wind sector expanding off the Angus Coast.

"I'm delighted that we are able to work in partnership with Montrose Port Authority and D&A College to pave the way to support new job opportunities in an expanding well paid sector of the economy, whilst increasing productivity through clean growth, protecting places for future generations to live, work and visit."

Montrose Port Authority Chief Executive, Tom Hutchison, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating: "This Montrose-based Skills Academy is a significant step in the Port's development and reinforces our position as a driver of regional growth. We are immensely proud of its potential to cultivate local talent and the key role it will play in Scotland's energy transition, equipping people with the skills needed to support our renewables sector. By bridging the gap between education and hands-on practice, we're creating valuable opportunities for local businesses, accelerating job creation, and advancing sustainable development across the region."

Simon Hewitt, Principal of Dundee & Angus College, said: "The College is extremely proud of the role we play in supporting both social and economic growth within the region, and the new Skills Academy in Montrose is not only an exciting step for the region's renewables sector, but also another key development for the College in offering the facilities, training and support to enable a net zero transition.

"By working closely with local businesses, we will offer accredited qualifications and tailor our training to meet the specific needs of the industry. The Skills Academy will be a hub for training and upskilling and, alongside our partners, we will play a pivotal role in preparing a range of individual learners for future opportunities. We will also support local businesses in accessing the skilled workforce needed for the region's clean growth and offshore wind industries."