Angus is an essentially rural county located on Scotland’s east coast.
The area is a popular tourist destination renowned for its superb natural beauty. Walkers, anglers and golfers enjoy the magnificent glens and sublime golf courses, including the famous world championship course at Carnoustie, rubbing shoulders with visitors exploring the heritage sites of the ancient picts and Arbroath Abbey, home of Scotland’s historic Declaration of Independence.
A diverse and dynamic business culture exists in Angus. The county has a broad range of industry, business and commerce including a prosperous oil and gas sector, a strong manufacturing base and enterprising support services. Angus is held in world renown for the quality of its produce, such as beef, soft fruit and the famous Arbroath Smokie. Active exporting features strongly with Angus companies outperforming the UK average as they expand their business in the international marketplace.
Angus Council is the unitary authority serving the county providing the leadership, local services and infrastructure for the 109,000 citizens of Angus. Twenty-nine members are elected to Angus Council for a four-year term, to govern and guide the strategic direction of the area and promote the county’s opportunities and achievement at home and abroad. Working with a multi-million pound budget the local authority makes a vital contribution to the local economy and leads the community planning process in partnership with other public sector agencies serving the area.
Angus in Europe
Angus Council has been actively involved in Europe for many years. A wide range of tourism, infrastructure, business and training projects have been part financed through ERDF, ESF and Community Initiatives adding value to the local economy through increased investment and employment. To date in the 2000-2006 programming period 53 Angus Council led projects have been approved with a further 26 local projects approved where Angus Council provides match funding meaning £5.5 million of EU funding for Angus. There are also twinning agreements in place with several towns in France, which encourage activities such as cultural exchanges while Angus schools enjoy strong links with schools in Spain, Italy, Germany, France, Denmark and Belgium. In addition there are strong cultural and educational links with Sigulda in Latvia and trading links are being pursued.