A former Angus man has developed a mobile app for Monifieth after battling back from the brink of death.
Paul Cuthbertson, 27, who now lives in Belfast, taught himself how to write mobile apps and has developed ‘Absolutely Monifieth’.
Mr Cuthbertson went to Seaview Primary, Monifieth High School, Dundee College and Edinburgh Telford College before moving to Northern Ireland.
He said: “When I was 20 I was in a car accident that changed my life.
“The accident almost killed me as I suffered a very serious head injury. The doctors were doubtful I would make a full recovery however, I somehow did.
“After the recovery I was suffering from PTSD for over a year and was very unhappy with my life but I didn’t give up.
“I have since gone on to be cabin crew for EasyJet and British Airways. Over the last few years I have been teaching myself how to write mobile apps.
“This came about as I have been designing websites since a young age and wanted to expand my skills.
“I have developed a few apps over the past few years and develop apps for uk-hoster. I was pondering about what my next project would be.
“Then, one night when walking through the high street, it came to me, what about an app for Monifieth? After a few days of thinking about it I decided to go ahead.”
Mr Cuthbertson said the app is taking shape after asking the local community for suggestions.
It currently includes weather, a what’s on guide, local groups, taxis, Barry Buddon range times and a business directory.
He is also hoping to include a walking guide, a school section, public transport times and a churches guide.
“A what’s on guide has certainly been a popular suggestion and the first one I myself thought of,” he said.
“Therefore this feature will definitely be included in the first release of the app.
“A business directory was again one of the ideas that first sprung to mind and after the suggestions from the Our Monifieth Facebook page.
“I will extend this further by adding opening hours of business, takeaway menus where applicable and some further useful contacts such as local groups.
“I hope to have a list of local youth groups, scout groups and toddler groups.
“Having a list of the range firing times was again suggested by a resident and I think it’s a great idea to help out dog walkers and such.”
Mr Cuthbertson said there are a few sections on hold because he is still waiting on permission from third parties.
He said: “If I don’t get replies from everyone by the end of the month, I will still release the app however, it obviously won’t contain these sections.
“As soon as I do get the permissions I require, I can include them and update the app. It’s not a big issue going forward.”
Aside from the new Monifieth app, Mr Cuthbertson’s also owns an in-game radio station and a travel company called Eurovision Travel.
