The V&A at Dundee project has been given a further boost following a £5m funding award from Creative Scotland.

Construction of the ambitious scheme is set to commence later this year.

The museum, which has been designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, is viewed as a vital element to Dundee's £1bn waterfront regeneration programme.

It is understood the award from Creative Scotland consists of £4.5m towards capital costs, with £500,000 going towards revenue and pre-opening development costs.

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Welcoming the funding, V&A at Dundee director Philip Long, said: "We look forward to working closely with Creative Scotland on the delivery of truly innovative activity that nurtures, promotes and inspires contemporary design creativity across the country.

"We are steadily moving towards our funding targets and are extremely grateful for the support Creative Scotland and all of our partners continue to show in helping us realise this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

The museum, which will cost £45m, has previously received funding from the Scottish Government, who pledged £15m towards the project, while in January 2014, the Heritage Lottery Fund committed £9.4m.

A further £15m is being sought from private donors, with £6.7m already raised towards that goal.

Work on the site is expected to commence late summer 2014, with a scheduled completion date of late 2016. It will open the following year.

(JP)