£5m security extension at parliament in doubt

CONTROVERSIAL plans for a £5 million security extension at the front of the Scottish Parliament building could be ditched because of the cost.

Earlier this year, designs were invited for the new "external screening facility" recommended by MI5 amid fears that existing arrangements would allow a potential suicide bomber to queue for screening inside the parliament building.

The parliament made clear the annexe would have to be in keeping with the rest of the 414m building.

Benedetta Tagliabue, widow of Holyrood architect Enric Miralles, said at the weekend she had submitted a proposal for the extension in a bid to preserve her husband's legacy.

She said: "I don't think it is a very good idea to have new hands, new architects, working on the same building."

Parliament insiders said the cross-party Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body had not yet decided to go ahead with the extension, despite MI5's urgings.

One source said: "When push comes to shove, the issue of cost may be enough to knock it on the head. No decision has been made."