Bute House refurbishment costs near £1 million after work on First Minister's official residence

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The cost of refurbishing the First Minister's official residence has nearly hit £1 million, it was announced today.The Grade A-listed town house in the prestigious New Town of Edinburgh is used for Scottish Government Cabinet meetings and official events.It also includes a private apartment for use of the First Minister and their family.The property was closed between April and September last year to enable "essential internal and external work to take place in the most cost-effective way possible", the Scottish Government said in a statement today.Stonework and roof repairs were carried out by specialists, windows were refurbished and essential fire safety work carried out.

The total bill for work last year was £856,307.59. Bute House is owned by the National Trust for Scotland but the Government is responsible for all repairs and maintenance as a condition of its lease.The Record revealed last year how Humza Yousaf’s official residence did not meet the Scottish Government’s own targets for energy efficiency.It is hoped the recently completed work will reduce the building's fuel bills.Bute House was completed in 1806 and is considered one of the finest Georgian properties in Scotland.It was purchased by the Marquess of Bute in 1922, before being passed to the UK Government in lieu of death duties in 1966.Bute House was the official residence of the Secretary of State for Scotland before devolution in 1999.To sign up to the Daily Record Politics newsletter, click here.