Dundee construction firm folds after 163 years

Dundee construction firm Alexander Oastler Ltd has been placed into liquidation with the loss of all 23 jobs.

The joinery specialist, which operated from its base in Douglas Street, was founded in 1863.

Its work included refurbishment, and bespoke manufacture of furniture, windows and doors.

Liquidators Interpath said the firm had experienced challenging trading conditions "exacerbated by rising input costs and lower levels of housebuilding activity".

The liquidator said the director of the business had taken "various steps" to improve the firm's performance, but was "ultimately unable to turn around the company's financial position."

The company's previous projects included work on the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and publisher DC Thomson's Dundee Meadowside headquarters refurbishment.

Alistair McAlinden, joint provisional liquidator and head of Interpath in Scotland, said the company had a "long and storied history".

He said: "Sadly, however, the headwinds facing companies across the construction and adjacent sectors have placed significant pressures on the business.

"Continual losses incurred over the last three years have ultimately meant that the company had no option but to cease trading."