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Agency's new green base unveiled Agency's new north 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 first minister has defended the policy of moving civil service jobs out of Edinburgh as he opened Scottish Natural Heritage's new headquarters.
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. The agency's relocation to its new home at Great Glen House in Inverness has been criticised by unions and MSPs.
However, the policy has been criticised by trades unions and MSPs. However, Jack McConnell said the move was good for jobs and devolution.
Mr McConnell officially opened Great Glen House, which also serves as a base for the Deer Commission for Scotland. Unions said only 55 staff made the switch with 109 opting for redundancy. Great Glen House is also a base for the Deer Commission for Scotland.
He said the building met the highest standards in environmentally-friendly design. Mr McConnell said: "Relocating SNH was a decision that had its critics. It wasn't an easy choice, but I was convinced it was the right thing to do.
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 "We must ensure the benefits of devolution are enjoyed in every part of Scotland.
"The city has already gained dozens of high quality jobs from this relocation. But, it has brought other benefits too. There are now new opportunities for school leavers."
We will not accept the compulsory job losses or compulsory relocation of our members and their dependants Union secretary Eddie Reilly
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 executive told SNH to make the move up the A9 in March 2003, at a cost of more than £21m.
The new £15m headquarters has been built on the site of a former nurses' home in the Westercraigs area.
Eddie Reilly, Scottish secretary of the Public and Commercial Services Union in Scotland, has opposed the executive's policy.
He said: "We will not accept the compulsory job losses or compulsory relocation of our members and their dependants.
"Audit Scotland confirms our concerns and we are demanding that the first minister puts his house in order before relocating any more of our members' households."
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. Highest ever
It uses natural ventilation, meaning it does not require air conditioning, and building materials came from environmentally-friendly sources.
The building was awarded the highest ever environmental rating for buildings in the UK since the BREEAM system, an independent measure of environmental quality, was introduced in 1998.
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."
First Minister Jack McConnell unveils a plaque in the new building
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".
Environmental theme
He said: "A great many people, within SNH and among partners and contractors, deserve a huge amount of credit for this.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 executive told SNH to make the move up the A9 in March 2003 at a cost of more than £21m.
The new £15m headquarters has been built on the site of a former nurses' home in the Westercraigs area.
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.