A Community Skills Hub has opened in Kindallachan, creating a flexible space for a broad mix of community, educational and wellbeing activity.

Delivered as part of the A9 Dualling: Tay Crossing to Ballinluig project, the hub will act as a focal point for local engagement. It will provide up-to-date information on the works and host a programme designed to develop skills, support learning and improve wellbeing in line with the project's community benefits commitments.

Residents will be able to meet the project team regularly, hear about forthcoming construction activity and track progress. Planned use includes community drop-ins, health and wellbeing sessions, employability support, educational workshops and activities run by local groups and organisations.

The facility also aims to inspire future engineers and construction professionals. Working with nearby schools, it will host STEM-focused sessions, 3D design and printing demonstrations, and careers workshops highlighting opportunities across engineering, construction and infrastructure.

Pupils from Logierait Primary School and Perth Academy were among the first to try out the space at its opening on Tuesday 6 October, taking part in construction-themed activities. Local residents also toured the hub and shared ideas for how it could be used in the months ahead.

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Transport Scotland's Project Manager, Ruth Whillis, said: "The Community Skills Hub has been created as a resource for local people and will provide an important link between the project team and the communities living and working alongside the A9 Dualling: Tay Crossing to Ballinluig project.

"It is a welcoming place where people can come together to learn new skills, access support, share ideas and find out more about the progress of the project.

"We're particularly excited about the opportunities the Hub will create for young people through STEM learning and careers engagement activities. By showcasing the diverse and rewarding careers available in engineering, construction and infrastructure, we hope to inspire the next generation and create a lasting legacy for the local community."

Wills Bros Contractor's Representative, John Stephens, added: "The Community Skills Hub provides a fantastic opportunity to create lasting benefits for people of all ages, whether through developing new skills, accessing training, exploring career opportunities or connecting with local support.

"For Wills Bros, delivering meaningful social value is an important part of how we work. The Hub builds on our ongoing commitment to STEM, skills and community engagement, providing another way for us to work with local organisations and create opportunities that leave a positive legacy."

Stuart Letford, Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) School Coordinator said: "Our visit to the Hub provided a valuable opportunity for pupils to engage with a large real-world engineering project taking place almost on their doorstep.

"Through STEM activities and direct interaction with industry professionals, our young people were given a valuable insight and understanding of the skills and career pathways available to them. We will now build on this visit and are looking at more types of engagement with the project."

The hub will now run a rolling programme shaped by local feedback, and groups and organisations are encouraged to use the facility and suggest future activities. To find out more, learn about upcoming events or put forward ideas, email [email protected]. Further details are available at www.a9dualling.scot/a9-dualling/social-value/ for the Tay Crossing to Ballinluig Community Skills Hub.