THE owners of Greenock-based bus company McGill’s have won the right to transform a 130-acre site in Fife formerly home to the Tullis Russell papermill, writes Scott Wright.

James and Sandy Easdale have secured planning permission, with partner Advance Construction, for a residential-led mixed use development, located between Glenrothes and Markinch.

The £250 million project will comprise up to 850 new homes, a care home and retirement village, as well as commercial, retail and leisure facilities, the developers said.

The Advance Construction (GD) partnership will develop the site over the next decade, and note that interest has already been received from leading housebuilders.

Sandy Easdale said: “We’re delighted that councillors have given the go-ahead to the regeneration of the former Tullis Russell paper mill site.

“This development has the power to transform Glenrothes and breathe new life into the local economy.

“We forecast that the development will cost in the region of £250m, creating 300 jobs during construction and 800 permanent jobs once complete.”

Seamus Shields, owner of Advance Construction, said the project “is one that we’re excited about getting under way knowing the demand

that exists for new homes and jobs in the area.”