Exclusive: Plans for dedicated testing facility in Dundee scrapped in favour of Perth

We can exclusively reveal plans for a dedicated drive-through coronavirus testing facility in Dundee have been ditched in favour of Perth College UHI.

Scotland's Secretary of State Alister Jack announced proposals for a UK Government funded unit in the City of Discovery earlier this month.

However, Tay News understands this will not go ahead, with Tayside's sole base to be located in Perth.

A spokesperson for Scotland Office said: "There will be one facility in the Tay area. We understood this to be in Dundee but this has now gone to Perth.

"People in Dundee will of course still be able to access this facility."

The Department of Health revealed the site in Perth opened yesterday afternoon and confirmed it is the only unit planned to be built in Tayside.

A spokesperson said: " The original site was planned for Dundee, however after consideration with all local partners, it was changed to Perth.

"This decision was made a week ago."

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: "The UK Government is delivering on its promise to ramp up testing capacity right across the UK.

"Here in Scotland we are providing a network of drive through testing sites and military-run mobile testing units, as well as the mega-lab that opened last week in Glasgow.

“By getting Scottish key workers tested we can ensure they can continue in their jobs to help those that need it the most.

“The UK Government is continuing to work closely with the Scottish Government, the UK armed forces, our world class scientists and private companies in the fight against coronavirus. By taking this UK-wide approach, we are doing everything we can to save lives.”

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