Delivered as part of the A9 Dualling, Tay Crossing to Ballinluig project, the hub will facilitate community engagement, providing access to the most recent project information while supporting activities designed to foster skills development, learning and wellbeing.

Local residents will have opportunities to meet project team members, learn about upcoming works as well as progress on the project. 

The hub will also be home to community drop-in sessions, health and wellbeing events, employability support, educational workshops and activities spearheaded by local groups and organisations.

The venue also hopes to inspire the next generation of engineers and construction professionals. 

Through partnerships with local schools, the venue will also host Science, Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM)-related activities, 3D design and printing demonstrations, and careers workshops which will showcase opportunities within the engineering, construction and infrastructure sectors.

Pupils from Logierait Primary School and Perth Academy were amongst the first to experience the facility at its opening on 6 October, participating in a variety of construction-themed activities. 

Local residents were also invited to see the hub and share thoughts on how the space could be used by the community.

Transport Scotland’s project manager, Ruth Whillis, said: “The Community Skills Hub has been created as a resource for local people and will provide an important link between the project team and the communities living and working alongside the A9 Dualling: Tay Crossing to Ballinluig project.

“We’re particularly excited about the opportunities the hub will create for young people through STEM learning and careers engagement activities.”

Whillis added: “By showcasing the diverse and rewarding careers available in engineering, construction and infrastructure, we hope to inspire the next generation and create a lasting legacy for the local community.”

Wills Bros contractor’s representative, John Stephens, said: “The Community Skills Hub provides a fantastic opportunity to create lasting benefits for people of all ages, whether through developing new skills, accessing training, exploring career opportunities or connecting with local support.

“The hub builds on our ongoing commitment to STEM, skills and community engagement, providing another way for us to work with local organisations and create opportunities that leave a positive legacy.”

Stuart Letford, Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) school coordinator, said: “Our visit to the hub provided a valuable opportunity for pupils to engage with a large real-world engineering project taking place almost on their doorstep.”

“Through STEM activities and direct interaction with industry professionals, our young people were given a valuable insight and understanding of the skills and career pathways available to them.”

Letford added: “We will now build on this visit and are looking at more types of engagement with the project.”

Looking ahead, the hub will hold a programme of activities which will be influenced by local feedback.