Skills Development Scotland (SDS), Scotland’s national skills body, is set to vacate its office at 381-383 Union Street in Aberdeen, a move that will leave a substantial 10,000 sq ft commercial space empty on the city’s main thoroughfare. The decision forms part of a broader review of the employment agency’s property portfolio and has ignited discussion about the Scottish Government’s commitment to urban high streets.
SDS plans to relocate its 28 Aberdeen-based staff to multiple new locations, including North East Scotland College (NESCol) on the Gallowgate, Aberdeen Central Library, and the Greyhope Community Hub. Some staff also dedicate most of their time to local secondary schools. NESCol’s Aberdeen City Campus is centrally located, offering state-of-the-art facilities.
In a communication to councillors, SDS described the relocation as “more than a relocation,” indicating “exciting” plans to integrate services more closely with education and community partners.
Skills Development Scotland stated that this shift aims to deliver services in locations already frequented by the public, following feedback on desired accessibility.
Nicola Graham, SDS’s North Manager, affirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Aberdeen residents, stating: “Skills Development Scotland is absolutely committed to supporting the people of Aberdeen with career services. As part of that commitment we are making our services more accessible by extending our presence across the city region. By locating in a broader range of sites, we are bringing our services closer to customers and a range of partners that offer complimentary support, whilst also making best use of public resources which ensures our services are sustainable.”
The agency has confirmed that no job losses will occur in Aberdeen as a direct consequence of this move.
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However, the departure has drawn criticism from local figures. Independent councillor Barney Crockett characterised the Scottish Government’s action as “very negative,” particularly as efforts are being made to revitalise Union Street. He remarked: “It’s essential the Scottish Government maintains some presence in Aberdeen, and Union Street is the big story in our city so we can ill afford to lose a unit like Skills Development Scotland now.”
The move comes despite the Scottish Government having committed £1 million to the ‘Our Union Street’ initiative, a community-led project dedicated to reducing the number of vacant properties on the “Granite Mile” and rejuvenating the city centre.
Bob Keiller, chairman of Our Union Street, acknowledged the continuous challenge of filling empty units. Regarding the specific property, owned by Renfrewshire-based Rowanfield Ltd, Keiller noted: “No 381-383 is a big old unit but the landlord sets very attractive, very low rent and rates, so we hope that will help. But we don’t yet have anyone lined up to take it on.”
