The final costs of repair work carried out on Bute House in 2023
have been published.
The official residence of the First Minister of Scotland was
closed between April and September to enable essential internal
and external work to take place in the most cost-effective way
possible.
In addition to stonework and roof repairs advised by specialist
surveyors, windows were refurbished and essential fire safety
work carried out. The Scottish Government is responsible for all
repairs and maintenance of the A-listed building as a condition
of the lease agreement with the National Trust for Scotland.
Costs are also published for the temporary alternative
arrangements put in place for the First Minister’s accommodation
and working requirements while in Edinburgh during the Bute House
closure.
Background
The total cost of repair work and temporary accommodation is
£856,307.59. This is outlined in Bute House repairs:
costs.
A routine specialist technical stonework survey (which included
consideration of associated roof leadwork and roof tiles) was
carried out in August and September 2021. The survey identified
the requirement for a range of external stonework and roof
repairs. To ensure best value for money the programme was
expanded to include window maintenance and replacement of window
mastic as well as internal fire safety work.
Following devolution in 1999, Bute House was designated as the
official residence for the First Minister. The building, which
was previously used as the official residence for the Secretary
of State for Scotland, is also used for Cabinet meetings,
official engagements, receptions and meetings.
Bute House is owned by the National Trust for Scotland. The
conservation and care of the property is delivered through
partnership and collaboration between the Scottish Government,
Historic Environment Scotland, National Galleries of Scotland,
National Trust for Scotland and the Bute House Trustees.
