A £55 million golf, hotel and housing plan for rural Angus is drawing international interest.
Approved by Angus councillors at the end of last year, the Forbes of Kingennie proposal at Shank of Omachie aims to deliver a five-star hotel, championship standard golf course and 160 houses creating 200 jobs in the process.
The development was given the green light after a marathon planning meeting, although concerns remain about the impact on roads and schools.
Nevertheless, Angus Provost Ruth Leslie Melville has praised the ambition of businessman Mike Forbes.
Mrs Leslie Melville toured the existing Forbes of Kingennie resort and said approval of the scheme had taken the business to a crucial stage.
“Mike is a key driver and entrepreneur in the tourism industry in Angus and he is tireless in his promotion of the area and its many attributes,” she said.
“His vision for the development of the Kingennie resort will greatly benefit the tourism offering for the area and create over 200 jobs.”
Mr Forbes told the provost, “We want to build a world-class golf course that is supported by world class facilities.
“To do this we need experts in golf, hotel and tourism provision to lead the way forward and the best of staff to deliver excellent service.”
Mr Forbes is now in the process of attracting entrepreneurs to be in charge of different aspects of the new development to be known as The Angus.
The approval includes a 160-property residential element, including luxury fairway-side villas along with standard and affordable housing.
Development of a leading golf academy is also seen as key to the success of the scheme.
“Investment in this aspect of golf is vital to us and will attract another level of visitors,” continued Mr Forbes.
“The development is gaining interest from China and America, and the golf academy is expected to increase the appeal from international markets.”
Provost Leslie Melville concluded, “We have a great deal to be proud of in relation to the tourism offering we have in Angus.
“The drive of key Angus entrepreneurs such as Mike will ensure that Angus’s reputation for tourism and business goes from strength to strength.”