By Eric Nicolson

A LOCAL AUTHORITY-supported project in highland Perthshire has created 37 jobs for the area, it was revealed yesterday.

Enterprise and infrastructure committee convener Councillor John Kellas visited a new business development at Blair Atholl Sawmill Yard to see how Perth and Kinross Council’s money has been put to use.

In August the committee agreed to award a grant of £18,000 to the scheme to help the continuing development of business space on the old Sawmill Yard.

The project involved the construction of 6000 square feet of business space with ancillary office accommodation, split into five units—three of 1500 square feet each and two of 750 square feet each.

These units complemented the 9500 square feet already built at the site since 2000.

Developer Tulliemet Ltd approached the council for the grant to help improve infrastructure at the site, which would service the expansion.

The development was carried out by Tulliemet on behalf of Atholl Estates.

Local companies were used to carry out the building work—the contractor was Algo, of Blairgowrie, and electrical work was done by R. W. Bell, of Pitlochry.

The grant was approved under the council’s Rural Business Infrastructure Scheme (RBIS).

This scheme was set up in 2006 to encourage the private sector to become more involved in developing business infrastructure (including land, buildings, roads and telecommunications) for rural economic development.

Mr Kellas said, “I am delighted at this expansion and at the new jobs it will bring to highland Perthshire.

“Three local sites have now been successfully developed by Tulliemet at Ballinluig, Blair Atholl and Dunkeld.

“Their units are all fully let, and these small rural business parks have led to increased employment—13 jobs in Ballinluig, 19 in Blair Atholl and five in Dunkeld.

“This is excellent news for the local economy.

“It is also a clear indication of the success of our RBIS funding, and a sign of this council’s commitment to promote a prosperous, sustainable and inclusive economy in Perth and Kinross,” Mr Kellas added. 0

“I wish the development at the sawmill every success.”

Jamie Troughton, director of Tulliemet, said, “The council has provided essential grant aid to this development.

“First in 2006 when it gave £12,000 towards upgrading the electricity supply.

“This second grant commitment of £18,000 contributed towards drainage, road access and mains water connections, so the council’s help in this project has been vital,” he said.

“During construction of the development Tulliemet has secured pre-lets on four of the five units. Occupation was granted on April 11—20 weeks after construction began.”

Mr Troughton said tenants who have entered into three-year leases are a joinery company, a metal fabrication company, an air-conditioning service operation and a general builder. This has generated five full-time jobs in Blair Atholl. “Overall this project has been a resounding success and bodes well for the future economy of the area,” he said.