Kinross aero space centre announced as part of Tay Cities funding

An aero space centre in Kinross is just one of the projects which will benefit from a £3million funding boost as part of the Tay Cities Deal.

A total of £1.6million will go towards developing the space tourism hub which will be open all year round.

Aero Space Kinross is being described as an aviation, astronomy and space flight science centre – which will also feature a 3D planetarium.

The money is part of the £150million which has been committed by the UK Government to the Tay Cities Deal.

This comes after the news the Ministry of Defence is retaining the RM Condor Airfield – meaning the money which would’ve been spent to buy it is now being reinvested.

Another £1million pound will be used to establish the Crieff International Highland Centre - a space for highland sports, dance and music.

Furthermore, the plan is for the centre to be the permanent home of the Scottish Highland Games Association.

The University of St Andrews will also be given £300,000 for their Stretch Dome Simulator.

It’s used for research and innovation into climate change, clean energy, low carbon and coastal ecology.

The final project to benefit from the cash is Innerpeffray Library – Scotland’s oldest free lending library.

The funding will be put towards adding a nature walk and upgrading their education facilities.

UK Government Minister for Scotland Colin Clark made the announcement on Friday 25th October on a visit to the library in Perthshire.

He said: “The Tay Cities Deal will transform the region, boosting jobs and helping the economy to thrive across Dundee, Fife, Angus and Perth and Kinross.

“It is great news for Angus that RM Condor is to continue as a military base, reinforcing our commitment to a strong defence presence in Scotland.

“It employs a large number of people, and makes a hugely significant contribution to the local community.

“This also means the UK Government is able to invest £3 million in four fantastic new projects across Tayside.

“From space education to cutting-edge science, these projects will make a real difference.

“I was pleased to make the announcement at Innerpeffray Library, Scotland’s oldest free lending library, which is helping to safeguard our unique Scottish heritage.”

And Councillor Murray Lyle, Leader of Perth & Kinross Council, said: “The news of this funding announcement for these four projects is welcome.

"I hope that this funding will serve each of the projects well, and will help them all move forward with achieving their individual aims and objectives; bringing much needed investment to rural areas within Perth and Kinross, St Andrews and the broader Tay cities area."

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