Capital to foot new Holyrood bill

The Queen will officially open the building on 9 October

The latest bill for the controversial new Holyrood parliament building is to be picked up by people in the capital.

The official opening in October is set to leave Edinburgh taxpayers with costs of more than £200,000.

The city council has estimated the cost of organising transport and security for the event, building a large platform, and clearing up afterwards.

The local authority would be asking the Scottish Executive to pay the bill, council leader Donald Anderson said.

He added, though, that the council was proud to be involved in what he called an "historic" ceremony.

A stage will cost £25,000, as will cleaning up after the event.

We want to sit down with the Scottish Executive and come to a common understanding on the costs Donald Anderson Edinburgh City Council leader

Security, public safety, closing roads, bus diversions and providing information to businesses and the public is estimated at £100,000. The figure includes barriers on the Royal Mile.

About £60,000 will be spent on street decorations but officials warn the figures have not yet been finally agreed and could change.

A council spokeswoman described the contribution as "significant".

The authority said it will press ministers during talks to pay back the handout "in full".

Councillor Anderson added: "'Edinburgh is very proud to be the home of the Scottish Parliament and delighted to be involved in this historic opening ceremony.

Lord Fraser will make his findings known in September

'We want to sit down with the Scottish Executive to discuss the arrangements in detail and come to a common understanding on the costs to ensure a fair deal for the city."

He said: "This is a tremendous opportunity for both Edinburgh and Scotland and we want to work with the Scottish Executive and the parliament to ensure it is a success."

The report into the spiralling cost of the parliament headquarters is due to be published early next month.