(244)  THE ONLY WAY IS UP …

Hard on the heels of Lord Steel’s defence of the Scottish Parliamentary Body in relation to the ever-increasing costs of the Scottish Parliament buildings at Holyrood (below, No 241) came a report from his successor as Presiding Officer, George Reid, indicating that ongoing problems in the construction process meant that the complex would not be finished until July 2004, with cost implications predicted to take the final bill beyond the £400 million mark.  The heart of the problem appears to be a lightwell over an access area, which has overhead glazing to illuminate interior offices.  The window contractor has been unable to instal windows quickly enough because the glazing has to be made blast-proof, and as a result the lightwell area cannot be accessed for the glazier to complete its work there.  There are knock-on effects elsewhere in the project.  However, MSP offices will be ready in November 2003, and the debating chamber and media tower in March 2004.  A cap on consultants’ fees, at £4.6 million, has also been agreed. 25 August 2003.