A public housing estate which forms a peripheral district of Dundee, Whitfield is situated 2½ miles (4 km) northeast of the city centre on the slopes to the north of the Dighty Water. Developed from farm-land between 1967 and 1972 to provide homes for those cleared from the 'slums' of the city centre, the area combined low-rise maisonettes with medium-rise blocks, built in great interlinking hexagonal courts with external stair towers and high-level walkways, and two high-rise towers. Many of the blocks used the Swedish Skarne building system which permitted fast construction and reduced costs through the use of pre-fabricated concrete sections, but they were poorly built and their design did not promote community cohesion, quickly giving rise to resentment and social problems. The area declined further due to drugs, anti-social behaviour and crime.
Suffering considerable urban deprivation, some of the worst in Scotland, the area was recognised by the government in 1988 as a priority for investment and regeneration and has been systematically redeveloped from that time. Many of the Skarne blocks have been replaced and the tower blocks were demolished in 2003 and 2004, with housing for sale and rent being introduced to change the social structure of the area.
A strong community association now runs events including an annual Gala Day. The population was approximately 6800 in 2007.
