Holyrood Inquiry begins

The Holyrood Inquiry, which started today (Tuesday), has begun scrutinising the early decision-making process that led to the construction of the new Scottish Parliament.

The proceedings began by questioning the ministers of the day who were in a position of responsibility prior to and during the early days of devolution.

First into the witness chair was Sam Galbraith, a close confidante of the late Scottish Secretary and latterly First Minister, Donald Dewar.

The QC for the inquiry, John D. Campbell asked the former minister what he thought of Dewar's decision to hand the responsibility for the building over to the Scottish Parliament corporate body in 1999.

"In many ways he was right about that, except the consequences were great," said Galbraith.

Earlier, Campbell had listed a series of questions to which he would be seeking answers.

The list of key factors it would be necessary to establish in the choice of Holyrood included whether: there was a realistic assessment of the prospective cost of the building; there was proper conduct in the choice of design and design team; the project was handed over in sound health to the parliament in June 1999;  there was a sound system of project management and supervision; and the parliament had responded effectively to escalating costs.

The inquiry continues.