Sweet dreams

Yet another iconic city building torn down

ANOTHER iconic building was lost from Dundee’s landscape this week.

The Keiller Factory, which closed its doors for the final time in the early 1990s, has been demolished.

It comes just a few weeks after the loss of Halley’s Mill on Broughty Ferry Road.

Opening its doors more than 90 years ago on Mains Loan, Keiller went on to produce its famous marmalade.

The site also produced confectionary including boiled sweets and butterscotch.

Despite employing nearly 900 people during the 1950s, its final owners – Alma Holdings – went bust in March 1992 before the plant was sold off.

It was revealed i n 2015 that Dundee City Council had given approval for the former factory to be replaced by 131 new homes.

Local residents have complained about the site having been plagued by intruders who illegally gained access to the disused grounds.

Following a major blaze i n July 2015, the building continued to fall further into a state of disrepair.

However, in spite of its sad demise during the last two decades, the Maryfield plant leaves behind a legacy that once saw royalty crossing the threshold.

Keiller was at one time the largest confectionary firm in Britain, as well as boasting eight bakery shops in the city.

The factory was given the royal seal of approval three years after it opened in 1928.

Workers on the production line during the factory’s heyday.