Place in history
As well as reflecting in Charlotte Square the ambience of Edinburgh’s New Town and the Scottish Enlightenment, it also played a role in the devolution process. The negotiation to acquire Bute House was initiated in 1968 by Sir Leonard Paton, chairman of the London Committee of the Scottish Council Development and Industry, as a fitting residence for the Scottish Secretary.
With a resurgence of the home rule debate, he felt that it would enhance the status of the Secretary of State.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdDonald Dewar used Bute House as his headquarters while executing his plan for the Scottish Parliament.
Bute House, with its emphasis on the best of Scottish renaissance architecture, is a useful balance to the more functional 1930s St Andrew’s House and the 21st-century Scottish Parliament building.
Jim Gorie
Scottish Office press secretary 1966-71
Cambell Street
Helensburgh