Secrecy row over work at Bute House
As thousands take to the streets to celebrate title being won, First Minister pleads with club to step in
NICOLA Sturgeon is facing a new secrecy row after officials suppressed details of work at her official residence Bute House.
In January, the Record revealed contractors had moved into the A-Listed property in Edinburgh to work during lockdown.
Only essential repairs are permitted during the pandemic, in rules set out by Sturgeon’s Government.
She was later forced to address the issue at her Covid-19 briefing, when she insisted the work was essential.
But when the Record sought confirmation of the contract via a Freedom of Information request, the name of the contractor involved was scored out. This prevented us seeking clarification from the firm which did the work.
The price was also blanked out, though officials later provided it.
Scottish Tory chief whip Miles Briggs said: “The SNP Government is going to extraordinary lengths to keep secrets. That is not the hallmark of an open and honest administration.”
Following a request for “all information” submitted to Bute House managing agents Historic Environment Scotland (HES), a single line explaining the work was provided. It read: “Ceiling repair works at Bute House, including the provision of portable scaffold and post-work debris clean up.”
We were later told by HES the cost was £8776. Officials added: “We contacted the contractor, who requested that their details be withheld. We
REVEALED agree in that we believe that the release of the name of the contractors would be detrimental to the company in the light of recent media articles and the comments in response to this work.”
In deciding whether to disclose information, officials carry out “the public interest” test – whether the public interest is best-served by disclosure or by holding it back.
HES added: “While we recognise there may be general public interest in release of this information, this is outweighed by the public interest in ensuring that companies that carry out work on our behalf now and in future are able to do so without prejudice and potential impact on their legitimate economic interest.”
Scottish Labour MSP Rhoda Grant said she was “glad” to hear the job was necessary but added: “That said, the Scottish Government needs to be transparent and I am concerned organisations carrying out work, paid for by the public purse, can remain anonymous.”
HES said it was “essential works to underpin the lathe”.
A spokeswoman added redecoration “will be carried out at a later date, in line with Scottish Government guidelines”.
NICOLA Sturgeon last night branded a minority of Rangers fans’ behaviour as “disgraceful” after thousands of supporters defied lockdown to celebrate the club’s title success.
The First Minister hit out at those who breached coronavirus gathering rules and warned they risked delaying Scotland’s exit from lockdown.
Rangers fans flocked to the club’s Ibrox Stadium and Glasgow’s George Square after Celtic’s 0-0 draw with Dundee United meant they could no longer catch them in the league race – handing their rivals a 55th title.
The public celebrations sparked concerns about the breach of lockdown rules, which prevent mass gatherings over fears of the spread of Covid-19.
After the title was secured, Sturgeon posted a video of fans celebrating in George Square and tweeted: “I congratulate @RangersFC on the title win and recognise what a moment this is for fans. But gathering in crowds just now risks lives and could delay exit from lockdown for everyone else. If those gathering care at all about the safety of others and the country, they will go home.”
Later last night she urged Rangers to take action, tweeting: “I share folks’ anger at this. Everyone has made so many sacrifices in the past year and seeing a minority risk our progress is infuriating and disgraceful.
I recognise what a moment this is for Rangers fans NICOLA STURGEON ON CELEBRATIONS YESTERDAY
“It is deeply unfair to the entire country and the police have a hard enough job already. Please ask fans to go home, @RangersFC.”
At Ibrox and George Square, police looked on as fans sang songs and let off flares and fireworks within minutes of the Celtic result being announced.
Supporters turned up in huge numbers despite Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf earlier appealing for them to “stay at home” for health reasons.
He also warned that European football’s governing body, Uefa, would be paying
“close attention” to the scenes in anticipation of European Championships matches coming to Scotland this summer.
Yousaf tweeted: “Our primary reason for asking fans to obey the stay-athome message is for public health reasons. However, be in no doubt, Uefa will also be paying close attention as the Euros are around the corner.”
Under current guidance, public gatherings are banned and a maximum of two people from two households are allowed to meet outdoors.
Football games are taking place behind closed doors, with no fans in the stadium.
However, some Rangers fans who turned up at Ibrox yesterday dismissed Yousaf ’s concerns.
Chauffeur Mark Sherman, 56, said: “This is a momentous time for Glasgow Rangers. We fought back to where we belong – at the pinnacle of Scottish football.”
Chief Superintendent Mark Sutherland said: “Officers made a small number of arrests and issued fixed penalty notices for breaches of the coronavirus restrictions, minor incidents of disorder and the use of pyrotechnic devices. We will continue with an appropriate policing response.
“Where appropriate, we’ve moved to enforcement and will continue to do so.”
A DISABLED mum has begged to be allowed home after being ordered to pay £1750 to stay in a quarantine hotel despite being vaccinated for Covid-19.
Karolina Juszczyk, 36, was told to isolate after travelling from Poland, where she received medical treatment. She has a “complex” illness which involves crippling migraines and saw neurological specialists in her homeland.
But on her return to Scotland eight days ago, she was told to stay at the Hilton by Doubletree hotel near Edinburgh Airport while her family in Alloa wait for her return.
Mum-of-three Karolina, who got her Covid jab in December, said: “The quarantine hotel cost is very high for a family like mine. I’m a carer but off sick at the moment and my husband is a selfemployed handyman.
“I’m on benefits due to my disability and can’t afford this cost. I’d never have left Poland if I knew this would happen.
“I need someone to look after me and can’t be on my own. My condition affects my balance and eyesight.”
Karolina travelled to Poland on January 18 and isolated at her family’s home near Wroclaw for 10 days before starting a course of physical therapy and medical treatment.
She has lived in Scotland for 16 years and is a UK citizen. She was told she would need to remain in quarantine for 10 days as rules allow exemptions for people entering Scotland for medical treatments but patients travelling after receiving care abroad are not.
Neurologist Dr Peter Connick has supported her plea to go home to isolate and has written to the Scottish Government and the Home Office.