Concern at the loss of construction work

The economic benefits of the V&A coming to Dundee are usually pitched in the form of added tourism.

That will bring in revenue through footfall and spend in local businesses, which then translates to more jobs – mostly in the services industry.

While very welcome, some have questioned whether or not the jewel in the crown of the waterfront redevelopment provides the heft of work.

But what about construction of the massive building?

Some union chiefs, as well as local politicians and businessmen, have also raised fears that the project would bring few opportunities to city businesses, believing much of the work would be outsourced.

Malcolm Boyd, construction manager at BAM, which has the contract to build the structure, has insisted his company is keen to include the local construction sector.

He told The Courier: “We want to meet local businesses in person to discuss the V&A Dundee programme and subcontractor packages.”

So far, nearly 30 job opportunities for young people have been created at the site.

These include new starts by people who were previously unemployed, redundant or who have completed registered training programmes, as well as graduate and apprenticeship opportunities.

The construction industry has not had its troubles to seek locally, with the loss of hundreds of jobs when Muirfield Contracts collapsed last year.

And, according to Courier analysis, the sector has shrunk by a factor of more than two-and-a-half since the 1980s.

According to the 1981 census, 12.5% of workers were employed in the construction industry.

That slipped to just 4.5% in 2014, although it does still account for 3,500 jobs in the city according to the Office for National Statistics.

Forth Ports has also unveiled a £10 million cash injection to attract North Sea decommissioning work.

This private investment hopes be able to double the size of the docks workforce to 1,400 and is seen by many as a way of potentially attracting the industry back to Dundee.