A new Offshore Skills Academy in Montrose is set to receive £1.25 million from the Tay Cities Industrial Investment Programme, delivered alongside the Tay Cities Region Deal, in a move aimed at accelerating Scotland's renewable energy growth.

Following Full Business Case approval by the Scottish Government and the Tay Cities Region Joint Committee, the Montrose Port Skills Academy (MPSA) will offer specialist facilities and training for people entering or transitioning into the renewables sector, helping to build the skilled workforce required for Scotland's fast-expanding offshore wind industry.

Housed within the restored, B-listed Customs House on Montrose Port Authority's North Quay, the academy will reinforce the port's status as a centre for renewable energy activity focused on operations and maintenance for offshore wind farms. Montrose-based Pert Bruce Construction Ltd and local subcontractors have returned the historic building to a wind and watertight condition on behalf of the port, paving the way for its conversion into a dedicated training centre.

The facility will enable Dundee & Angus College to deliver a comprehensive suite of programmes linked to industrial energy transition, with a particular focus on offshore wind.

Councillor George Meechan, Chair of the Tay Cities Region Deal Joint Committee, said: "The funding received from the Industrial Investment Programme will assist with the fit-out costs of the Skills Academy on the ground floor of Customs House. This funding paves the way for the next steps of this fantastic project as it supports local economic development and drives forward opportunities for local jobs associated with renewable energy activity across Angus and the wider Tay Cities Region."

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Plans include a dedicated training room and workshop space to support formal learning and industry-led instruction across mechanical, electrical and hydraulic disciplines. Flexible areas will also provide bespoke training for operations and maintenance teams based at the port, helping to futureproof the offer as industry needs evolve.

Tom Hutchison, CEO at Montrose Port Authority, said: "With major wind farm operations based at our port, we want to make sure local people are benefitting from the jobs and opportunities that are right on our doorstep. That's what being a trust port is about – using our position to not only serve as a commercial hub but to be a driver of regional growth that leaves a lasting impact on our community.

"The Skills Academy is central to that ambition, creating pathways for local school leavers and career changers into sustainable, long-term jobs in offshore wind while helping to develop the skilled workforce that Scotland's rapidly growing renewables sector needs."

Developed over the past two years by Angus Council, Montrose Port Authority and Dundee & Angus College, the project has reached a key milestone with the college now delivering specialised Vestas-accredited courses to its first cohort. Vestas, the turbine manufacturer behind the Seagreen and Inch Cape offshore wind farms, has selected the academy as the base for its apprenticeship programme, launching in August 2026 through Dundee & Angus College. Seagreen is currently Scotland's largest operational offshore wind farm, while Inch Cape is under construction — both operated and maintained from Montrose Port.

Julie Grace, Vice Principal of Dundee & Angus College, said: "Dundee & Angus College is proud to be a key partner in the development of the Montrose Port Skills Academy. Throughout the planning process, we have worked closely with employers, industry partners and Montrose Port Authority to identify the skills, equipment and training requirements needed to support the growing offshore renewables sector.

"The academy will provide access to a wide range of industry-relevant training, from technical and safety certifications to specialist skills development for offshore wind operations and maintenance. By aligning our training provision with employer demand, we are helping to create clear pathways into high-quality careers for school leavers, existing workers looking to upskill, and those transitioning from other energy sectors.

"As Scotland accelerates its journey towards Net Zero, ensuring we have a skilled workforce ready to support that transition is essential. The Montrose Port Skills Academy represents a significant investment in people, skills and regional economic growth, helping to secure the talent needed to support the continued expansion of the offshore wind industry."

By widening local access to specialist training, the academy underpins Montrose Port's ambition to attract new economic activity, increasing the regional impact of current and future renewables projects, driving productivity, creating higher-value jobs and supporting long-term clean growth across Angus and the Tay Region.