Projects such as the V&A at Dundee could be at risk in an independent Scotland, the chairman of Better Together has suggested.
Alistair Darling said being part of the UK was an essential element in bringing the flagship museum to the City of Discovery.
He warned the thousands of jobs expected to come to the city as a result of the Waterfront Redevelopment could be lost if Scotland chooses to vote for independence on September 18.
Creating “barriers” could have an irreparable impact on much-needed jobs and investment, he said.
In an exclusive interview with The Courier, Mr Darling said: “The V&A is expected to generate thousands of jobs. The museum is currently in London and we are in the same country.
“There were no complicated negotiations and that is an example of where being part of something bigger gets you huge advantages.
“Obviously the range of jobs provided will vary in terms of skill and pay and so on. But when people say to me, why are you so concerned (about independence), my answer is first and foremost jobs.
“Dundee has been transformed in the last few years and there is a lot more to be done. But if you put a barrier between Dundee and the rest of the UK you will make it less likely and more difficult to bring in the jobs you need in the future.”
Mr Darling was speaking ahead of a 5 Million Questions event, attended by hundreds of people, at Dundee University.
He also warned Dundonians against taking a gamble on September 18, adding: “The thing about gambling is that you can lose, as most people who gamble know.
“Dundee has gone through huge changes in the last few years. It suffered a great deal in the 1980s when we started losing Timex and so on. A lot of jobs went then.
“Where are the jobs going to come from in the future? There is just a much better chance of creating jobs if you are part of something bigger. Why take the risk?
“If Scotland votes to break away there is no going back. This is not like a general election where if the party you vote for does not come up with the goods, you vote them out next time.
“There is no way you can get back from this. If we decide to go, then that is it.”
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown will also start to play a greater role in the Better Together campaign, Mr Darling said.