Perth & Kinross Council has approved plans for a £4m food and drink park in Perth (pictured), with the creation of up to 400 jobs.
The annual turnover of the food and drink sector in the area is £280m. At present there are 130 local companies involved in the processing side of the business.
Councillor John Kellas said, 'It's very much an area of growth that has been growing significantly. Our food and drink is seen as one of the premier attractions for Perth and Kinross. It's a high calibre food and drink offering. We hope to expand on that and by giving a centre of excellence in Muirton, this is an opportunity to consolidate on that.'
Through providing the infrastructure, the aim is to attract companies, both big and small, to the city. Smaller firms will have the chance to develop in an incubator facility.
Councillor Kellas added, 'Firstly, it's very good for the businesses themselves. It gives them an opportunity to expand to come into Perth & Kinross perhaps. But it creates also the opportunity to bring up to 400 new jobs in Perth and that in itself is a very significant for the economy. '