About Angus
Angus is on the east coast of Scotland, where the Tay meets the North Sea. The county is diverse, rich in history, skilled in manufacturing and leaders in food production. Our ambition for the future is fuelled by the entrepreneurial spirit of our businesses, our talented workforce and investment in our infrastructure.
We have a population of almost 117,000, resident in seven vibrant burghs – Arbroath, Forfar and Montrose are the largest – and dozens of villages and rural communities.
Economy
The county has a successful mixed economy with particularly strong activity in agriculture, engineering, food and drink, oil and gas and tourism. Manufacturing is embedded within Angus, employing 14.9 per cent of all workers, well above the Scottish average of 7.9 per cent. The county is also seeing an expansion of capabilities to support both onshore and offshore renewable projects and we contribute to the energy sector around Aberdeen.
Angus has:
- competitive land and property prices
- a good supply of skilled and well qualified workers
- strong industry networks
- good infrastructure and access to markets
- support from experienced investment professionals
Businesses
Along with food production, a broad range of industry thrives in the county. Manufacturing companies benefit from lower land and property costs, with productivity in the sector around a fifth higher than the Scottish average.
Food and drink is a key sector, with Angus produce renowned among foodies and sought after by suppliers. With 25 per cent of Scottish soft fruit and 30 per cent of the country’s potatoes grown in Angus, agriculture remains a significant part of the local economy.
A host of global businesses operate in Angus in key sectors, including:
- Pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)– Montrose
- Textile manufacturer JD Wilkie - Kirriemuir
- Multinational GE Oil and Gas - Montrose
- Award winning food exporter Mackays – Arbroath
- Textile innovator Don & Low – Forfar
- Design and Engineering specialists Hydrus – Brechin
They are supported by a strong network of local businesses with an excellent record of enterprise and innovation.
Transport and connectivity
The main trunk roads provide excellent road links both north and south and the main East Coast rail line has stations in Monifieth, Carnoustie, Arbroath, and Montrose. We enjoy easy access to both Dundee and Aberdeen airports.
Montrose Port is one of the busiest in Scotland. It provides deep water berths serving offshore oil and gas and potentially renewable installations and offers a gateway to wider UK and international markets. This north Angus area is earmarked for further development to service the oil, gas and growing renewable energy sector.
Digital connectivity is a priority for Angus, supporting the growth and diversification of our businesses and the sustainability of rural enterprises and communities.
Tourism
Angus is home to one of the world’s best known golf courses at Carnoustie, where we are gearing up for the return of the Open Championship in 2018. A further 30 excellent local golf courses make up our Carnoustie Country leisure golf tourism offering.
With its colourful and historically significant past Angus can lay claim to be known as ‘Scotland’s Birthplace’. Historic sites include Arbroath Abbey, site of Scotland’s 1320 declaration of independence and Glamis Castle, in fiction the home of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, in reality twinned with the Great Wall of China.
Our spectacular natural environment is the popular backdrop for a host of outdoor adventures for visitors, from walking and biking in the glens to windsurfing or sailing, from Arbroath’s busy leisure marina.
People
Angus has a skilled and motivated workforce, well equipped for employment in a variety of sectors. We have a number of partnerships and schemes to address the needs of local business and support local people to take up employment opportunities.
Through our innovative Angus Shared Apprenticeship Scheme we are supporting young people into employment through apprenticeships in the construction sector to meet demand.
Place
With its mix of glens, fertile valleys, rugged coastline and historic towns and villages, Angus is an area of outstanding natural beauty where citizen satisfaction levels are consistently high.
Our local development plan provides a clear framework for the future growth in our towns, villages and rural areas, identifying around 117 hectares of new employment sites and land for 4,620 homes over the next 10 years.
Angus offers:
- a safe, diverse and attractive environment
- affordable housing
- high quality schooling
- a wide range of leisure opportunities
Find out more
