Single Scottish Estate: case studies

Overview

A proposal to extend the lease for Silvan House to accommodate Forestry and Land Scotland, Scottish Forestry, Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, NatureScot and Scottish Government was rejected by Ministers in 2022 pending further review.

An offer to extend the lease for one year was accepted by the Landlord, providing occupiers with a period for review and consideration of alternatives better aligned to the principles of the Single Scottish Estate.

The review produced a variety of solutions within existing public offices in Edinburgh and the lease for Silvan House was terminated in 2023.

Solution

The short-term lease extension allowed the individual occupiers enough time to review their requirements and Property and Construction Division assisted in identifying suitable opportunities to relocate onto existing public estate in Edinburgh.

Solutions included co-location with other public bodies in Apex House, Meadowbank House, Saughton House and Edinburgh Council's offices at Waverley Court.

All occupiers worked together to ensure efficient and orderly relocations from Silvan House.

Outcome

The project has delivered cost savings of circa £11.5 million to the public purse compared to the initial five-year lease period of the proposed lease renewal, without impacting on the services provided by the various public bodies and Scottish Government. The project has also supported the removal of 89,000 square feet of leased office space from the Scottish public estate, making more effective use of existing accommodation and reducing our carbon footprint.

SSE Programme: collaboration and partnership working towards impactful benefits and efficiencies