Forensic lab for banks of the Tay

This computer generated image shows what the lab will look like

A specialist forensic laboratory to help police solve crimes will be built on the banks of the River Tay in Dundee, it has been revealed.

The �16.2m facility will house the DNA database, science labs and fingerprint and scene-of-crime examination units.

The building at City Quay should be completed by 2010.

The laboratory will be five floors high, cover 50,000 sq ft and will be Scotland's first purpose-build forensic lab in almost 15 years.

There will be facilities for the examination of large exhibits, a blood pattern analysis laboratory and controlled lab environments to reduce contamination.

Tom Nelson, director of forensic services in Scotland, said: "In the last two decades advances in science and technology, such as DNA analysis, have led to rapid and sustained growth in demand within criminal justice systems for forensic services.

This is good news for Scottish policing and the wider criminal justice system Kenny MacAskill Justice Secretary

"The reputation and place of forensic science within criminal justice is built on quality and trust.

"Forensic experts must have a working environment and appropriate storage facilities to ensure that there is no possibility of cross contamination of their work.

"After all, guilt and innocence for individuals may rest on those results."

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill added: "This is good news for Scottish policing and the wider criminal justice system.

"SPSA's [Scottish Police Services Authority] decision to invest in a much needed new forensic laboratory at Dundee, together with the new laboratory which will form part of the Gartcosh Crime Campus near Glasgow, will transform the provision of forensic services across Scotland to the benefit of the police and indeed the wider criminal justice system."

Kevin Keenan, leader of Dundee City Council, said: "The decision to locate this major new facility in Dundee is great news for the city.

"Our ambitious plans for the redevelopment of Dundee's Central Waterfront will be strengthened by this substantial investment."

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