 | 'Essentially the house is perfect, as the minister would have ample hospitality provided rather then have to use a hotel or whatever. It is in a good location and I've spent a number of pleasant days there in good conversation over lunch with colleagues.' Ex-Secretary of State for Scotland, Sir Malcolm Rifkind, on Bute House. |  |
The official residence of the Secretary of State for Scotland is Bute House in Charlotte Square Edinburgh. The National Trust for Scotland own Bute House and the two adjoining terraced houses, one which is the open to the public as the Georgian House, while the other houses their HQ. The NTS have offered to move their HQ and allow this building to be used as the official residence of the Scottish Prime Minister.
Speculation has been mounting that No 6 could become the home of Scotland's first minister but it emerged last night that No 5 is also available to the Government at the exclusive address.
The National Trust for Scotland owns both and sub-leases No 6 to the Government as the official residence of the secretary of state.
A spokesman for the trust said: "The trust has already let it be known to the Government that No 5 could be available for its use if desired. What better prospect for the first minister of Scotland to reside behind Robert Adams's classical facade, flanked by the Secretary of State and the Moderator of the General Assembly.
"Charlotte Square is regarded by many as the finest Georgian square in Europe and would provide a fitting residence worthy of Scotland."
As No 6, Bute House, is hotly tipped to become the official residence of the first minister, No 5 could become the Scottish Secretary's new home.
Although both houses, built in 1825, have a certain charm, it seems No 6 has the edge. "In terms of accommodation there is very little between the two houses but No 6 is largely unspoiled and has the grandest facade," said the spokesman.
"No 5 has heavy, Victorian ceilings while No 6 has delicate Georgian architecture. No 6 forms the focal point of what we would call the palace front because as a whole it resembles a grand palace."
A spokesman for the Scottish Office said no decision had been made on where the first minister would live and the priority would be to provide a Scottish parliament.
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