Written Question · S2W-00213 · Session 2
Why it selected the Inverness option for the relocation of the headquarters of Scottish Natural Heritage, in the light of the conclusion in…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive why it selected the Inverness option for the relocation of the headquarters of Scottish Natural Heritage, in the light of the conclusion in the report by the DTZ Group, Relocation Study for Scottish Natural Heritage, that, on the basis of primary non-financial parameters, "the only location which can be discounted is Inverness".
The answer
The Scottish Executive's relocation policy is intended to ensure that public sector jobs, and the economic benefits that they bring, are shared across all of Scotland. The co-location of the two current Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) headquarter buildings to a single site away from the extremely competitive Edinburgh labour market will realise significant efficiency gains in the long term. SNH already has over 200 staff based in the Highlands and Islands and 50 staff located in Inverness. The move would therefore allow potential synergies to be explored. In addition, due to the profile and nature of its work, SNH is a better candidate than other organisations for location in the Highland area.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S2W-00213 by reference.