THE DESCRIPTION of Montrose in a national tourist guide as stuffy and run down sparked anger among residents yesterday —much of it directed towards Angus Council, blamed for tearing the heart from the town by wrecking the High Street.

Montrose rates as an attractive seaside town in the Lonely Planet Scotland guide but, according to its author Neil Wilson, “exudes an austere and slight down at heel atmosphere.”

Community council chairwoman Joan Stott hit back, “That’s very sad. I don’t recognise that description. That doesn’t reflect Montrose at all and I wonder if Mr Wilson has ever really visited.

“We have a lovely town which really welcomes people. We have a lot to offer tourists.”

She cited a long list of attractions including the town’s golf courses, the Montrose Basin nature reserve, its magnificent Mid Links area, sports centre, bowling clubs, and a variety of shops offering something different.

“We have lots of one-off attractions too such as the Highland games which bring thousands of visitors here annually.

“Maybe Mr Wilson picked the wrong day. But if he cares to come back, I’ll show him round personally. That’s a genuine invitation.”

Councillor Terry Wood added, “I’m disappointed with the description Montrose has been given. Montrose has a lot to offer visitors.”

But regretfully he admitted the town centre had been tarnished by the changes wrought by the council, a view supported by many retailers.

Dissatisfaction with the council has persisted since so-called improvements to the High Street six years ago carried out by the local authority, altering traffic flow and disjointing the main throughfare, which many residents claim have been a retrograde step.

“We used to have a beautiful vibrant High Street,” said Councillor Wood. “But it’s been wrecked by the council.

“The traffic flow needs a major overhaul, the roadways and footpaths are in extremely poor condition, and we don’t even have toilets for the visitors in the High Street.

“I have been a councillor now for three years and, along with the other two independents, have made constant requests for an upgrade of our High Street, especially in certain areas. But these have fallen on stoney ground. Absolutely nothing has happened.”