DUNDEE’S HOPES of becoming home to Scotland’s third IKEA store suffered another blow yesterday when it emerged that the company is to conduct site feasibility studies in Aberdeen.

Dundee has been repeatedly linked with the furniture chain in recent years, and it is understood it was considered along with Perth and Stirling in 2003.

Earlier this year, however, IKEA indicated that it had “no additional store requirements” and Dundee was not on its agenda.

The company also revealed that any future expansion would most likely be a second Glasgow store—but it has since been courted by Aberdeen politicians.

In a letter to Aberdeen’s lord provost John Reynolds, a senior IKEA manager said he had been “impressed by the enthusiasm and persistence” behind their bid.

A team has been asked to investigate the area, identifying suitable sites for a store in the centre and periphery of the city.

The Swedish firm will then conduct feasibility studies on the sites to “ascertain the real potential for an IKEA store there.”

Ironically, Mr Reynolds pointed to Dundee as a potential customer base as part of Aberdeen’s wider catchment area.

He added, “I’m entirely confident IKEA would enjoy immediate success by attracting the custom of all those who already visit Glasgow or Edinburgh, and attracting many more who have been put off by the long trip.”

A spokesman for IKEA told The Courier last night that the Aberdeen study was part of their ongoing process of “reassessing all situations” across the country.

Asked if that meant the Granite City was preferred to Dundee, the spokesman said, “At this stage we only know information concerning Aberdeen and no other areas.”