Nicola Sturgeon has defended work carried out on her official residence as First Minister by insisting it was essential “safety” repairs.
She also responded to political criticism by saying she had not "set foot" in Bute House since early last year.
The Daily Record reported this morning that painters carried out work in the A-listed building in Edinburgh despite the ban by her own Government.
We told of how a squad was sent into Bute House in Edinburgh for several days last week.
The insider said: “A contractor carried out the work on behalf of Historic Environment Scotland, who were working on Nicola Sturgeon’s Bute House residence.
“They needed a significant amount of paint to get the job done.
“But painters, decorators and tradespeople are not allowed currently to work in homes or residences.
"It’s not even really meant to happen at the moment when the owner is not there or even when it’s a void property.
“It is embarrassing for her.”
As part of the story, Labour MSP Rhoda Grant said: “This news will come as a slap in the face to the millions of Scots who are studiously observing the current restrictions.
“The First Minister is undermining her own message by allowing this cosmetic work to be carried out, and potentially putting workers in harm’s way – surely she should lead by example?”
However, at her media briefing today, Sturgeon defended herself and said: “Firstly, I am not staying in Bute House just now. I haven’t set foot in Bute House since the first lockdown.”
She continued: “It was essential safety work, as I understand.”
“It’s been to pin part of a ceiling, or the plasterwork of a ceiling, that was deemed essential because the state it was in was unsafe.”
She added: “There has been no painting and decorating done.”
“It was essential work for safety reasons, not painting and decorating.”
