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Agency's new green base unveiled Agency's new green base unveiled
(about 1 hour 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 has been 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 trades 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 MinisterIt 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. Environmental theme
He said: "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.
First Minister Jack McConnell unveils a plaque in the new building
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 The executive told SNH to make the move up the A9 in March 2003 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 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. Trades 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.