A world-class golf resort, with five star hotel and spa, near the Dundee and Angus border at a cost of £100 million.
That’s the vision put forward by Forbes of Kingennie in a masterplan as it seeks planning permission from Angus Council.
Resort Forbes of Kingennie has held ambitions for a neighbouring golf course and hotel for more than a decade.
The project would create hundreds of construction jobs and around 300 jobs once operational.
Owner Mike Forbes said construction will start on his “labour of love” next year if planning permission is forthcoming for his new plans.
He said the proposal for The Angus is “unlike anything seen in Scotland for decades”.
Plans for Angus five-star hotel
The development is set within 300 acres of land on the Shank of Omachie, above the Forbes of Kingennie country resort, near Broughty Ferry.
The new hotel plans are for 175 rooms, a rooftop sky bar and 1,900 square metre spa and leisure facility.
It will be the anchor for a signature Darren Clarke golf course, clubhouse and golf academy with driving range.
The plans also include 160 houses and 10 luxury lodges.
The location maximises views out to the Tay estuary and the home of golf, St Andrews.
A spectacular water feature in the entrance hall will reinforce a sense of tranquillity.
Planning permission in principle is in place for The Angus.
If full permission is in place, construction will begin on the golf course in summer 2022.
The entire resort is due to open to the public in 2024.
Economic benefits
Mr Forbes said: “The Angus is an unrivalled opportunity for Angus and Scotland.
“It is simply an iconic hotel and golf complex which will surpass anything on offer in the country.
“With a five-star hotel and spa offering, as well as the first signature golf course from legendary Ryder Cup winner and former Open champion Darren Clarke, The Angus will create jobs and opportunities.
“It will generate significant income and boost Dundee and Angus as a world-class tourism and leisure destination.”
Mr Forbes estimates The Angus will contribute more than £40m a year to the local economy and generate more than 300 full and part-time jobs.
The construction and development phase will require around 285 workers.
Forbes of Kingennie will announce a hotel partner in the coming months.
‘Labour of love’
The project team includes 3D Reid architects, Ryden, Morrison Construction, Balgair, Manson Architects, Team Niblick (golf course design) and CPC (project management).
Mr Forbes added: “This is a huge project and a labour of love for me, my family and our planning team.
“They have worked tirelessly to ensure we have a resort the people of Angus can be proud of for generations to come.”
Leveraged & Equity Global Capital (L&EGC) is financing partner for The Angus development.
Invictus Risk Solutions LLP and its broking partner will create a portfolio of insurances through Lloyds of London and the London corporate market to underpin the investment.
Tourism chief’s support
Caroline Warburton, VisitScotland regional leadership director, backs the plans.
She said: “This is an exciting development for Dundee and Angus, and a first for this region.
“A five-star hotel is a fantastic addition to the area’s strengthening tourism portfolio – putting it on the map not only in Scotland but internationally.
“Tourism is an increasingly important part of the Dundee and Angus economies, creating both economic and social value.
“We look forward to working with the team as the development continues.”
