An exciting day — but still much to be done

There is no more tangible embodiment of Dundee’s wider ambitions than the Kengo Kuma-designed V&A museum. Over the last three years – and markedly more rapidly in the past few months – the key waterfront site has evolved.

The structure is at last taking shape, and excitement levels in the city have risen in tandem with the physical building itself.

There have been tweaks to the initial design brief but there is no doubt the essence of Mr Kuma’s original vision is close to being realised.

Much work remains to be done – not least the addition of the distinctive slatting which will provide a multi-layered appearance – but the walls are all in place.

Philip Long, director of the museum, has declared it will be “a major international cultural venue”.

Certainly it will be the envy of many other cities the length and the breadth of the country.

Even when the building work is complete, however, much will remain to be done.

The V&A is billed as a catalyst for much of the wider waterfront regeneration, and indeed for the cultural renaissance of the city as a whole.

Such things will not be achieved overnight and all of those who have worked so hard to bring the museum to Dundee must continue their efforts to ensure its incredible potential is ultimately fulfilled.