OPPORTUNITIES to work in the construction industry have been highlighted by an MSP during Scottish Careers Week.

Martin Whitfield, a South Scotland MSP, visited the new town of Blindwells on November 17.

More than 1,500 homes are being built on the site, between Tranent, Prestonpans and Longniddry, alongside plans for education and healthcare services, retail and leisure facilities.

Mr Whitfield, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Children and Young People, Lifelong Learning and Youth Employment, saw first-hand the opportunities available in construction, as well as the skills needed to help the industry’s growth.

The former primary school teacher said: “I’m pleased to see that Blindwells is now making real progress and helping to create new job and apprenticeship opportunities for young people.

“With hundreds of houses and new public infrastructure being built at the development over the coming years, the site will offer a wide range of ways to build a career in construction.

“I welcome these new skilled jobs and look forward to seeing many more local young people forging a career in the industry.”

More than 200 new homes are currently being built at Blindwells, which will feature a new school among its amenities, and work is due to start early next year by Persimmon on another 197 residential properties.

In recent weeks, five acres of land have also been launched for exclusive use by businesses seeking new commercial property opportunities in the county.

Once complete, the development could see up to 6,000 new homes.

Iain Slater, development and estates director at Hargreaves Land, the development company behind the Blindwells scheme, said: “Ahead of the first residents moving into Blindwells in the weeks ahead, our team has been hard at work applying impeccable standards in building a town that will be a relaxing yet vibrant part of the East Lothian landscape.

“It was an honour for myself and development director Bruce Lindsay to show Mr Whitfield our progress in making a modern and sustainable urban environment in which families and businesses can thrive.”