Press release issued 21 Feburary 2001

European Parliament takes space in The Tun

Following 2 years in temporary office accommodation in the West End of Edinburgh, the European Parliament has decided to locate the EP Office in Scotland at The Tun - Whiteburn's exciting mixed-use development in Holyrood.

To celebrate the building nearing completion, Dermot Scott, Head of Office for Scotland will be attending the "topping out" ceremony at The Tun on Thursday 22 February at 12.30pm.

The European Parliament will be taking a lease on 265m2 (2,850 sq ft) of prime office space, with stunning views over to Salisbury Crags. They join the growing list of blue chip companies to be located in The Tun, Holyrood - BBC Scotland, Scottish Enterprise, Boots and Scottish & Newcastle.

Whiteburn's director, John Shepherd, said "On a formal level, securing the European Parliament as a tenant, in addition to the nation's major broadcaster and the government's business development agency, reinforces the message that The Tun is the place to be for any organisation wanting proximity to the Scottish Parliament.....and on an informal level, with its unique mix of cafés, bars and restaurants, The Tun should facilitate a sort of "brownian motion" between politicians, diplomats, civil servants and journalists, which may spark future initiatives for Scottish politics and business.

He added "PR consultancies or other businesses who need to get close to Scotland's new government will want to consider seriously locating to The Tun. You could call it Scotland's answer to Millbank, but I think it will be more than that!"

Letting agent, John McGregor, said "With half the space now let, we're fielding queries from some rather interesting quarters and certainly hope to build on the diversity and quality of tenants already on board … watch this space!"

The Tun, Holyrood combines the redevelopment of the former East Tun brewery building with a stunning seven storey addition, clad in pre-patinated copper, weathered zinc and curtain wall glazing fronting Holyrood Road. Designed by Allan Murray Architects and engineered by Arup Scotland, it offers a wide range of office business space, retail and restaurant units. The Tun is currently under construction by contractor Melville Dundas and is due for completion in May 2001.

The site forms part of the "Holyrood Project" redevelopment being carried out on behalf of Dynamic Earth Charitable Trust by Development Services Partnership Ltd (DSP).