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All 23 workers have lost their jobs after a Dundee construction firm founded in 1863 collapsed into liquidation. Alexander Oastler Ltd, a joinery specialist, had experienced challenging trading conditions "exacerbated by rising input costs and lower levels of housebuilding activity", according to liquidators Interpath.

Directors had attempted to stabilise the business through "various steps" as trading conditions worsened, but sustained losses over the last three years left the firm unable to recover. Alistair McAlinden, joint provisional liquidator and head of Interpath in Scotland, noted the company's lasting presence in the industry for 163 years.

The joiners, which specialised in refurbishment, bespoke furniture manufacturing, and windows and doors, had worked on on a number of Northeast projects over the years. Its customers included publishers DC Thompson, the Hampton by Hilton, and the Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews.

Mr McAlinden said: "The Oastler business has a long and storied heritage of providing specialist joinery and bespoke carpentry to homes and commercial projects primarily across eastern Scotland.

"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.

"We will now commence the process of winding down the companies' affairs, while also providing support to Oastler's dedicated team in the wake of their redundancy."

It comes after a year of slowed housebuilding in Scotland. According to Scottish Government statistics released in December 2025, there was a 5% decrease in all sector housebuilding starts in the year to September 2025, compared to the previous year.

During the same time frame, there was also an 8% decrease in completions. In the 12 months ending September 2025, this totalled 18,347 homes built.