Scottish Cities Alliance

The Tay Cities Region Deal (TCRD) is driving significant economic growth in Scotland’s Tay Cities region, which includes Angus, Dundee, Fife, and Perth & Kinross. With over half of the £300 million investment already allocated, the region is experiencing remarkable progress.

Midway Milestone Achievements

As the TCRD reaches its halfway point, the 2023/2024 Annual Report highlights impressive progress. By the end of year five, £152.108 million from the UK and Scottish Governments has been invested, along with an additional £180.259 million in funding. This substantial financial support has resulted in the creation of 2,451 jobs, boosting the local economy and fostering sustainable growth.

Notable Projects

Several transformative projects have received full funding, showcasing the region’s potential:

• Tay Cities Biomedical Cluster: This initiative has created 28 new jobs and 39 construction jobs, leveraging £40.512 million in additional funding. The refurbishment of MedTech facilities at Wilson House was completed this year, enabling high-growth companies to develop cutting-edge therapeutics, diagnostics, and healthcare innovations. The Tay Cities Innovation Hub is set to open in Spring 2025, further enhancing the region’s biomedical capabilities.

• International Barley Hub: This project has created 39 new jobs and protected 33, leveraging £6.184 million in additional funding. The hub is a significant milestone in establishing Scotland as a leader in global food security and crop resilience. Barley, the most predominant crop grown in Scotland, supports 40,000 jobs largely due to its role in the Scottish whisky industry.

• Advanced Plant Growth Centre: Opening in July 2024, this center has created 63 new jobs and protected 127, leveraging £9.415 million in additional funding. It is a hub for world-leading plant science, delivering innovative solutions for food and environmental sustainability. The center’s research and development efforts are crucial for addressing global challenges related to agriculture and climate change.

• Eden Campus: This initiative has created 69 new jobs, 490 construction jobs, and protected 500 jobs, leveraging £56.4 million in additional funding. Eden Campus is a Centre of Excellence in Low Carbon and Renewable Energy innovation. The Enterprise Hub, set to open in 2025, will support the growth of new companies focused on low carbon innovation, fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and community.

• Stretch Dome Simulator: Completed in 2022, this simulator has created 7 new jobs and leveraged £350,000 in additional funding. Located at the University of St Andrews, it allows scientists to rapidly test theories and generate solutions. The simulator is used for research in areas such as climate change, coastal ecology, underwater acoustics, and new materials.

• Pitlochry Festival Theatre: Attracting over 100,000 visitors annually, the theatre completed its transformation in 2024, including a new 172-seat Studio Theatre and upgraded facilities. Refurbishments have significantly reduced the theatre’s carbon footprint, enhancing its sustainability. The upgraded venue continues to be a cultural hub, drawing tourists and supporting local artists.

• Perth Museum: Opened in March 2024, this major cultural venue has created 30 new jobs and 20 construction jobs, leveraging £16.821 million in additional funding. Home to the Stone of Destiny, the museum welcomed its first 100,000 visitors by July 2024. The new walkthrough experience has made Perth Museum a must-see attraction, enriching the cultural landscape of the region.

• Rural Angus and Rural Perth & Kinross Highspeed Broadband: Completed in 2022, this project has created 250 jobs and leveraged £3.98 million in additional funding. Improved digital connectivity has reached remote and rural areas, enhancing infrastructure and connectivity. The new broadband infrastructure enables high-quality wireless solutions, allowing Superfast Broadband to reach residences and businesses in remote locations.

Looking Ahead

Signed in 2020, the Tay Cities Region Deal is a collaborative effort between the UK and Scottish governments, along with public and private organizations, aimed at promoting sustainable and inclusive prosperity. By working together to attract over £700 million of investment by 2035, the deal is transforming the region into a vibrant place where businesses can grow, innovate, enhance productivity, develop skills, and create jobs.

The TCRD’s success so far demonstrates the power of partnership and the potential for continued growth and development. As the region moves forward, the focus remains on creating a fairer, smarter Tay Cities region, where everyone can benefit from the opportunities generated by this transformative deal.