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Agency's new green base unveiled | Agency's new green base unveiled |
(about 2 hours later) | |
The environmental merits of the new headquarters of Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) have been praised by First Minister Jack McConnell. | The environmental merits of the new headquarters of Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) have been praised by First Minister Jack McConnell. |
The agency's move from Edinburgh to Inverness is key to the Scottish Executive's policy on moving civil service jobs out of the capital. | The agency's move from Edinburgh to Inverness is key to the Scottish Executive's policy on moving civil service jobs out of the capital. |
However, the policy has been criticised by trade unions and MSPs. | However, the policy has been criticised by trade unions and MSPs. |
Mr McConnell officially opened Great Glen House, which also serves as a base for the Deer Commission for Scotland. | Mr McConnell officially opened Great Glen House, which also serves as a base for the Deer Commission for Scotland. |
He said the building met the highest standards in environmentally-friendly design. | He said the building met the highest standards in environmentally-friendly design. |
It sets new environmental standards for buildings across the UK at a time when we face the growing threat of climate change Jack McConnellFirst Minister | It sets new environmental standards for buildings across the UK at a time when we face the growing threat of climate change Jack McConnellFirst Minister |
Great Glen House was built with low energy consumption a priority. | Great Glen House was built with low energy consumption a priority. |
It uses natural ventilation, meaning it does not require air conditioning, and building materials came from environmentally-friendly sources. | It uses natural ventilation, meaning it does not require air conditioning, and building materials came from environmentally-friendly sources. |
Mr McConnell said: "I am impressed by the environmental credentials of Great Glen House. | Mr McConnell said: "I am impressed by the environmental credentials of Great Glen House. |
"It sets new environmental standards for buildings across the UK at a time when we face the growing threat of climate change." | "It sets new environmental standards for buildings across the UK at a time when we face the growing threat of climate change." |
SNH chairman Andrew Thin admitted the relocation to Inverness had been "challenging and complex". | SNH chairman Andrew Thin admitted the relocation to Inverness had been "challenging and complex". |
He added: "A great many people, within SNH and among partners and contractors, deserve a huge amount of credit for this. | He added: "A great many people, within SNH and among partners and contractors, deserve a huge amount of credit for this. |
"We are in a time of important change for SNH. | "We are in a time of important change for SNH. |
"I believe the move is having, and will continue to have, something of a rejuvenating effect on the organisation, helping to focus us even more on the contribution we make to improving the lives of Scotland's people." | "I believe the move is having, and will continue to have, something of a rejuvenating effect on the organisation, helping to focus us even more on the contribution we make to improving the lives of Scotland's people." |
Mr McConnell was given a tour of the building - which is the base for 250 SNH and Deer Commission staff - by SNH chief executive Ian Jardine. | Mr McConnell was given a tour of the building - which is the base for 250 SNH and Deer Commission staff - by SNH chief executive Ian Jardine. |
He also met children and teachers from four nearby schools who had made artwork on an environmental theme. | He also met children and teachers from four nearby schools who had made artwork on an environmental theme. |
The official opening comes a week after spending watchdog Audit Scotland said ministers had failed to make the case for spreading government jobs about the country. | The official opening comes a week after spending watchdog Audit Scotland said ministers had failed to make the case for spreading government jobs about the country. |
First Minister Jack McConnell unveils a plaque in the new building | |
SNH moved from its base in Edinburgh at a cost of more than £21m. | SNH moved from its base in Edinburgh at a cost of more than £21m. |
The executive told SNH to make the move up the A9 in March 2003, as part of its policy of dispersing civil service jobs throughout the country. | The executive told SNH to make the move up the A9 in March 2003, as part of its policy of dispersing civil service jobs throughout the country. |
The new £15m headquarters has been built on the site of a former nurses' home in the Westercraigs area. | The new £15m headquarters has been built on the site of a former nurses' home in the Westercraigs area. |
Trade unions seized on the Audit Scotland report and urged an immediate end to the practice. | Trade unions seized on the Audit Scotland report and urged an immediate end to the practice. |
However, the executive insisted the jobs had been welcomed in areas of Scotland that needed employment. | However, the executive insisted the jobs had been welcomed in areas of Scotland that needed employment. |