Business leaders and politicians welcome ‘positive development’

Representatives from Dundee’s business community and politicians from all parties welcomed yesterday’s announcement.

Alison Henderson, chief executive of Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce, described the news as a “hugely positive step”.

She said: “It lets the supply chain know that Dundee is serious about the decommissioning industry and gives employers in the engineering sector confidence that they can expand.

“It also gives the public and workforce real optimism because they don’t have to travel anywhere else, their skills can be complemented and used and they can get local work.

“Let’s not forget that we have not been doing this work for very long, so to have a significant event like this in the first year is great news.”

Dundee city development convener Lynne Short hailed the news and said she hopes the announcement is proof the city can become a leader in the field of decommissioning work.

Ms Short said: “From my point of view, it’s great that things are coming together for the city.

“We’ve always been wary of promising jam tomorrow, we wanted to do the work and get partnerships in place. It shows that things have to be a partnership, no element can do one thing alone.”

Dundee West MSP and Scottish Government minister for parliamentary business Joe FitzPatrick said: “This is a very positive development for Dundee.

“The Scottish Government recognises that decommissioning is a growing market, with spend forecast to reach £17 billion in the coming years to 2025.

“We want to ensure that the infrastructure is in place to allow the world-class Scottish supply chain to fully compete for this new work.”

North East MSP Bill Bowman said: “This is welcome news that will help towards the objective of positioning Dundee as a major player in the UK decommissioning market.”

It also gives the public and workforce real optimism ... ALISON HENDERSON CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF DUNDEE AND ANGUS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE