Back in 1960 the Horn Milk Bar, between Dundee and Perth, started life as a simple tartan shed.

Fast forward more than half a century and the A90 institution has now revealed plans to create a “modern fit-for-purpose” diner at the nearby Inchmichael flyover.

The diner – whose bacon roll dubbed the A90 Behemoth was voted best in the world in 2012 – wants to open 24 hours a day, offer a new takeaway service and double staffing levels from 12 to 24.

Owner James Farquharson confirmed the cow that adorns the roof of the current landmark site will be making the short journey to pastures new should Perth and Kinross Council grant approval.

“The plan is to move the Horn and open 24/7,” he told The Courier. “The project will not only help employment in the area but satisfy increasing demands.

“When we opened in 1960, we initially sold home-grown farm produce but we discovered there was an appetite for more to it than that.

“People wanted to come here in their cars, have something to eat and then go on their way. It was initially described as being halfway between Dundee and Perth but now it is regarded as being halfway between Aberdeen and Glasgow and Aberdeen and Edinburgh.

“The majority of our business is currently through transient traffic – customers who stop at the Horn then travel onwards, either heading north or south.

“The upgrading of the road has helped this — our location is definitely second to none. However if we move closer to the flyover it will make it safer and there is less chance of bumps.”

A vision of the new Horn, which has been lodged in the planning submissions, states the facility is arguably “one of the oldest” roadside services in Scotland.

The document reads: “It is imperative to understand that this is not simply constructing a new building, but relocating the Horn – a long-established, successful business – to an adjacent location, in order to satisfy the expectations and needs of existing and future clientele.

“We must remain recession-proof and build on 60 years’ experience and reputation as an institution, by upgrading and constructing a new, improved Horn.

“Additionally, the task is to transform the Horn from a predominantly transient location to a destination point locally and nationally.”

The vision also states the current parking for cars and coaches is “totally inadequate” and not “fit-for-purpose.”

It adds: “The Dundee-bound bus stop is an especially dangerous crossing across the A90.

“We would suggest there may be an opportunity to consider repositioning the bus stops. We can draw comparisons with the multi-award-winning Tebay services near Penrith.”

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