Montrose FC have strengthened their youth development pathway by signing a Cooperation Agreement with local Lowland League East side Lochee United.

The agreement allows up to three Montrose players aged under 21 to join Lochee on a flexible week‑to‑week loan, ensuring valuable game time while retaining the ability to recall them quickly when required.

Manager Stewart Petrie explained, “Bridging the gap between our Academy and the first team has always been challenging, particularly when it comes to giving young players enough minutes to maintain momentum in their development.

“Having them around the squad and on the bench is fine, but ultimately, it’s minutes that matter. This coop agreement with Lochee United gives us the best of both worlds. It allows the boys to play regularly in what will be a fiercely competitive inaugural Lowland League East, while giving us the flexibility to bring them back on a weekly basis if circumstances change.

“We would like to thank everyone at Lochee United for helping make this agreement happen.”

At this stage, Fraser Donaldson and Kyle McClements will be the first two players placed on the coop list with Lochee.

Montrose have taken advantage of a new rule change to the Cooperation framework this season, which permits League 1 clubs to act as a Parent Club with teams in League 2, the Highland League, or the Lowland Leagues.

This also leaves the door open for Montrose to establish a reciprocal cooperation agreement with a Premiership or Championship side, similar to last season’s arrangement with Hearts.