Scotland’s Finance Secretary urged leisure operators in Angus to prepare for a tourism boom inspired by the new V&A museum in Dundee.
John Swinney said the £45 million landmark Dundee waterfront project would not only increase the number of visitors to the city but also have a profound effect on the wider region.
He urged businesses to ensure they were capable of coping with the major influx of visitors, which is expected to run into hundreds of thousands per annum, that the V&A is expected to bring.
Speaking at a Tartan Day Scotland event taking place in Carnoustie, Mr Swinney said cross industry collaboration and strong leadership were key to maximising the return from tourism.
He said the V&A offered destinations like Arbroath Abbey and Glamis Castle the chance to further increase their profile and for a new audience to discover the majesty of the glens, hills and picturesque coastline of Angus.
“This part of Scotland played a very significant role in the formation of the country and also for the ideas for which our country is renowned,” Mr Swinney said.
“But this area also has a very dynamic role to perform in the future of the country.”
VisitScotland chief executive Malcolm Roughead added: “With so many significant developments taking place in Dundee and Angus, businesses from across the region can take advantage, encouraging visitors to extend their stay and discover all this inspirational area has to offer.”