Local MP joins opening of new UK Government hub in Scotland

Banff and Buchan MP and Scotland Office Minister David Duguid has helped mark the completion of a new UK Government hub in Edinburgh.

Mr Duguid joined Secretary of State for Scotland, Alister Jack MP, and fellow Scotland Office Minister Iain Stewart MP for a visit to Queen Elizabeth House.

The office development near Waverley train station will house 3000 civil servants from 11 UK Government departments and bodies.

This will include Scotland Office personnel and staff from HM Treasury, HMRC, DWP, BEIS and the Office of the Advocate General.

The seven-storey, 190,000 square feet office space includes a UK Cabinet meeting room and is now ready for occupation – as soon as Covid-19 protection measures allow.

Mr Duguid said: “I was delighted to join the Secretary of State to mark the completion of this project.

“The Prime Minister made clear on his recent visit to Scotland that he is committed to strengthening the Union, and developments like this increase the UK Government’s presence north of the border.

“Thousands of UK civil servants will work from this central hub in the heart of Scotland’s capital city.

“It will mean a bigger, better and more co-ordinated service for the people and businesses of Scotland.”

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