Investment crucial for growth of city's tourism

DUNDEE has for some years enjoyed an international reputation for life sciences research and industry, and the V&A at Dundee is going to help position the city as a world class destination for cutting edge arts and culture as well. With more than 120 architectural design applications from all over the world submitted earlier this year, this is an extremely exciting time, as the six shortlisted designs are unveiled.

Capital investment such as this is crucial to tourism growth in Dundee, and we commend any efforts to increase the range and depth of visitor attractions the city has to offer, especially one of such international stature, which is predicted to bring an additional 500,000 visitors to the city, create an extra 900 local jobs and add 5.7 million to the Scottish economy.

Tourism is the sustainable bedrock of the Scottish economy and partnership approaches to projects such as this are to be applauded for their potential to be sustainable. The V&A at Dundee will be the focus of a major redevelopment of Dundee's waterfront, as we have seen in various other UK cities over the past decade, and provide a wonderful showcase for Dundee. I look forward to seeing the designs. l Richard Pinn is VisitScotland's regional director for Dundee and Angus.