In-depth Report on the Scottish Parliament Building Project

Following the vote in Scotland in 1997 to devolve power from Westminster, the decision was
taken to build the Scottish Parliament in the heart of Edinburgh. According to the Scottish
Government’s devolution White Paper, the cost of the project was estimated at £40million
(Ahiaga-Dagbui and Smith, 2014). However, it soon became apparent that the overall cost of
the project was underestimated. This resulted in the commissioning of an investigation (i.e.,
Spencely Report, 2000; Auditor General probes, 2000, 2004; Lord Carmyllie Report, 2004) into
the reasons for the excessive time and cost overruns. By the time the Members of Parliament
finally took their seat in Holyrood, it was apparent that cost had risen to £431million (House of
Commons, 2005).
Because of the poor performance of the project, in 2003, a formal inquiry led by former Lord
Advocate, Peter Fraser was formed. In 2004, the panel concluded that the project right from
the start was marred by numerous issues that affected its overall performance.
Drawing from the above passage and as a Project/Construction management consultant
working for Alinwoah & Sons, you have been invited to prepare an in-depth report