Plans to stage a major dance music festival in Angus next summer have cleared their first planning hurdle.
Festival of House hopes to attract 15,000 dance fans to the county for the weekend event, with sites near Brechin and Carnoustie being considered as a location.
Those behind the event, which could take place in June, have now confirmed screening clearance has been obtained from Angus Council for potential sites at Stracathro airfield and Panmure Estates.
A screening application for Cortachy Castle, north of Kirriemuir, has been withdrawn.
The early stages of the process have involved consultation with bodies including Scottish Natural Heritage, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the Health and Safety Executive.
The council has now confirmed that the use of land for a two-day music event at either venue would not require environmental impact assessment.
Appropriate consents and licences have to be obtained and the next stage of the process will see a multi-agency steering group established to work with those behind the event and offer guidance on matters including licensing, safety and transport/traffic management.
Festival director Craig Blyth said: “We are extremely happy with the screening opinions from Angus Council on two of our proposed sites Stracathro airfield and Panmure Estates.
“The local environment is of a high priority to the organisers so it’s encouraging that we now have measures and procedures in place to protect it.
“We are looking to deliver something original to customers with dance music being at the heart of everything we do but knowing that the local economy will benefit from this event is a massive driver for us. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Angus Council for their help and support throughout this process.”
The festival is being supported by the Rhumba Club, whose director Wayne Dunbar said: “We will continue working day and night, behind the scenes, to deliver a new and exciting festival for the people of Scotland and beyond.”