The First Minister is being forced to stay in a hotel because of emergency repairs at her official residence in Edinburgh.
Nicola Sturgeon has upped sticks following the sudden temporary closure of Bute House, which sits in the New Town.
The need for the essential maintenance work was revealed during a routine inspection, which found faults in the ceiling of the A-list building’s drawing room.
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “Meetings of the Scottish cabinet will take place at St Andrew’s House for the duration of the works.
“Temporary alternative arrangements are being put in place for the First Minister’s accommodation and working requirements while she is in Edinburgh.
“The repairs, which have been advised by the building’s conservationists, are being coordinated by Historic Environment Scotland and are expected to be completed over the winter months.”
Ms Sturgeon, whose hotel stay will be covered by the taxpayer, typically spends four or five nights a week in Edinburgh when Holyrood is sitting.
A spokesman for the FM said the FM will stay in a hotel for the rest of this week, while a more permanent solution is found.
The Courier understands that is likely to be a serviced apartment.
It is hoped Ms Sturgeon will be able to return to her Edinburgh home before the end of the year.
The drawing room has hosted some of Scotland’s biggest political events, including Alex Salmond’s resignation in 2014 and Ms Sturgeon calling for Indyref2 on the day after the Brexit vote.
The Scottish Government has said there will be a full disclosure of the repairs and accommodation costs in due course.