Experts Confirm Radiation Safety at Former RAF Montrose for £500M Project

Experts have confirmed that the former RAF Montrose site is free from hazardous radiation, paving the way for the ambitious £500 million Zero Four business park project. This site, located north of Montrose, holds historical significance as the first operational military air base in Britain, established in 1913. The Zero Four initiative aims to create approximately 2,000 jobs in the Angus region, with plans first unveiled in 2020.

Survey Results and Historical Context

The former RAF base closed in 1952, and the proposed business park takes its name from the old aerodrome’s runway call sign, 04/22. Crown Estate Scotland is spearheading the development and has submitted documents to Angus Council detailing the findings of a recent survey aimed at identifying any potentially hazardous materials from wartime activities.

Following the end of World War Two, many aircraft were dismantled at military sites, leading to concerns about plane parts containing radium that may have been buried. In 2012, the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) compiled a list of potentially radioactive sites, which included locations like Dalgety Bay, but notably excluded Montrose.

A gamma radiation sweep conducted on the Montrose ground has now confirmed that it is clear of any dangerous radiation. The low-level readings detected were primarily attributed to natural radioactivity found in stone chippings, rather than any buried hazardous materials. Officials from the Montrose Air Station Museum played a crucial role in identifying specific areas of interest during this survey.

Economic Impact and Future Developments

Angus Council has expressed strong support for the Zero Four project, highlighting its potential to deliver significant benefits to the local economy. In response to inquiries about the site, the council stated that Zero Four could “deliver substantial and lasting benefits to the Angus economy.”

Furthermore, the project aligns with other planned developments in Montrose, including a Skills Academy and plans for the redevelopment of existing sites. The economic development department of Angus Council noted, “Existing employment areas in Montrose are nearing full capacity, limiting opportunities for inward investors and local business expansion.”

The proposed business park aims to provide necessary space for multinational companies and supply chain businesses, addressing the increasing demand for commercial property in the region. Angus Council’s commercial property portfolio has maintained occupancy levels above 93% for an extended period, underscoring the urgent need for new developments.

In addition to the business park, Angus Council is advancing plans for a drone port as part of the broader Mercury Programme for the site. Shore-to-ship flight trials were conducted back in 2021, but it may take up to ten years before a fully operational drone port is established in Montrose.

The progress on the Zero Four project and associated developments marks a significant step forward for the Angus region, promising to enhance economic opportunities and foster innovation in green and blue economy sectors.