Glen Prosen road improvement plan to boost forest industry and tourism
A new road improvement plan could enhance visitor access to the Angus Glens - and help the local economy by seeking to improve the transport network in the area.
Glen Prosen is experiencing rising popularity with tourists, walkers and outdoor enthusiasts. The route leads to landmarks like the Airlie Monument and offers access to the scenic valleys of Glen Prosen, Glen Cally and Glen Clova.
Airlie Estates is working with Scotland’s largest forestry management company, Scottish Woodlands Ltd, on a project to assess the two C-class roads serving Glen Prosen and identify potential future improvement works which would facilitate the transport of timber and enhance recreational access.
Angus Council has been successful in its application to the Timber Transport Fund for a grant to carry out feasibility assessments, technical surveys and approvals and undertake community engagement.
The estate is collaborating with the Council, Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) and other partners on this important preparatory project which will be completed by February 2025.
The aim of the project is to identify road improvement work which would support the haulage of 30,000 tonnes of harvestable timber from Airlie Estates’ forests over the next decade. Significant additional quantities of timber are projected over the following 20-30 years.
Neil White, Scottish Woodlands said: “Improvements to road infrastructure is often a vital part of ensuring timber can be successfully extracted from Scotland’s forests. Often others can benefit from works that are needed and we are really pleased that work is now underway to assess what can be done in Glen Prosen."
“This area is really popular with visitors to the forests and hills and better roads will ensure those visitors coming to the area have a much better experience.”