Work has commenced on a number of Dundee roads in preparation for the movement of wind turbine blades.

The works, which are being carried out by Tayside Contracts, are now underway ahead of the blades themselves arriving in the city later this month.

Explaining the necessary preparations, Will Dawson, Convener of Dundee City Council's City Development Committee said: "We are delighted that a wind turbine manufacturer has chosen to use Dundee Port as its point of entry into Scotland for its blades.

"These minor changes to a number of roundabouts, junctions and street lights were always going to happen as part of our strategy to encourage the manufacture of on shore and off shore renewable hardware in Dundee.

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"They follow on from work that has already been done to strengthen the Stannergate Bridge and to the Broughty Ferry Road/Greendykes Road junction.

"The decision to bring the turbine blades to Scotland via the city for onward movement by road to a new windfarm in Aberdeenshire has given us the chance to do the works now.

"It puts another piece of the jigsaw in place to encourage the leading players in the renewables industry to manufacture their equipment here and illustrates perfectly that Dundee is open for renewables business."

Work will now take place to remove vegetation from a number of roundabouts on the planned route including Stannergate, Scott Fyfe, Mid Craigie and Pitkerro Road. Some signs along the route will be moved or altered as well as street lights and street furniture.

It is understood the work will be carried out during the night in order to minimise delays, but any noisy activities will be restricted to the early part of the evening.

At Stannergate, a route will be created through the roundabout using material that will allow vehicles to use it, but also grass to grow through. Gates will be put up to prevent unauthorised use.

The work is being carried out with Transport Scotland and its operating company BEAR Scotland.

(JP/MH)