NHS Scotland’s cybersecurity agency is the first tenant confirmed for the new cyberQuarter research and development hub at Abertay University in Dundee.

NHS NSS (National Services Scotland) is set to take up accommodation in the cyberQuarter when the building opens next year, bringing 30 highly skilled jobs for the city and providing cybersecurity operations to cover Scotland’s health services.

Commenting on the announcement, NHS NSS’ Director of Digital and Security, Deryck Mitchelson, said: “NSS is proud to bring digital and security services to the new hub at cyberQuarter.

“Our work harnesses technology to transform healthcare services, or the way they’re delivered. But in this case, it has the potential to change lives in another way.

“NSS’s base will create 30 new jobs and develop the next generation of digital security specialists, simultaneously supporting their career growth whilst safeguarding NHS data.”

As part of the tenancy, NHS NSS will invite Abertay University cybersecurity students to gain work experience alongside their staff, ensuring valuable hands-on industry experience for students, as well as access to the very best graduate talent for the organisation.

The Dundee cyberQuarter is being created by fully renovating the unused upper three floors of Abertay Student Centre, providing office, events and collaboration space alongside secure cloud computing infrastructure to enable online teaching, R&D and knowledge-exchange activities.

It is expected that other cybersecurity organisations will either locate in the cyberQuarter or take up flexible working spaces in the building as the project rolls out, with some negotiations already underway.

Dr Natalie Coull, Head of the Division of Cybersecurity at Abertay University said: “We are delighted to be making progress on the cyberQuarter building, and to have NHS NSS basing their operations here demonstrates both the calibre of the project and our commitment to creating new, high quality cyber jobs in the Tay Cities region.

“The cyberQuarter will hugely benefit both our existing University community and the wider Scottish cyber sector, and we are now looking forward to progressing towards the next steps of the project and to seeing the fantastic new building designs taking shape.”

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The cyberQuarter, which is funded through the Tay Cities Deal, aims to attract new and existing cybersecurity companies to the region, support the creation of new firms and boost the security and resilience of the Scottish business community.

The Scottish Government has committed up to £6 million for the project, with the UK Government pledging £5.7 million alongside Abertay University.

Economy Secretary Kate Forbes MSP said: “I’m pleased to see such a positive example of the impact our investment in the Tay Cities Region Deal is having.

“It’s great news for the region to secure 30 highly skilled jobs in this vital sector, and to see that NHS NSS will also be working with Abertay University to create new opportunities for their students.

“With the University’s commitment to inclusive growth and the local student base, I hope this will help ensure that local people have the chance to benefit from these developments.”