The First Minister to move back into Bute House

Nicola Sturgeon's official residence has undergone ÂŁ500,000 of repairs.

Published 14th Apr 2018

Bute House, in Edinburgh's Charlotte Square, was closed last year after a routine inspection found urgent ceiling works were needed.

Nicola Sturgeon moved into temporary accommodation, while meetings of the Scottish Cabinet took place at St Andrew's House.

Conservation work at the 18th century A-listed building, coordinated by Historic Environment Scotland, began in October.

Maintenance and modernisation, including the installation of heating throughout the building, also took place while the building was closed.

The total cost of the work came to ÂŁ504,216, while alternative accommodation costs for Ms Sturgeon amounted to ÂŁ19,220.

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: ''Designed by Robert Adam, Bute House forms the centrepiece of Charlotte Square and is one of the finest architectural achievements of Georgian Edinburgh.

These necessary repairs and refurbishments mean Bute House can continue to be available for official Scottish Government business, as well as being preserved as an important historical and cultural asset for the nation.

My thanks go to Historic Environment Scotland and the skilled team of craftsmen and women who were part of what was a complex restoration project.''