An investigation into the rising costs of Dundee’s V&A should be held by MSPs, according to Labour’s shadow culture secretary.
Claire Baker has written to Education and Culture Committee convener Stewart Maxwell asking him to call an inquiry into the transformative project.
Parliamentary questions by the Mid Scotland and Fife representative revealed Dundee City Council told the Scottish Government the museum was over budget nine months before the public was told the full cost would be more than £80 million.
In her letter, Ms Baker said: “I believe that it would therefore be helpful for the Education and Culture Committee to hold a short inquiry, running concurrently with the review being taken by Dundee City Council, that would afford the Cabinet Secretary the opportunity to clearly set out what has happened so far with the V&A in Dundee.
“This inquiry would ensure that we achieve the openness and transparency needed for a project that is being met with considerable cost from the public purse.”
SNP members of the committee have previously used their majority to voice their strong opposition to taking evidence from the inquiry’s main players during a private session last month, sparking anger amongst opposition politicians.
At that meeting, the committee agreed to write to Dundee City Council, Design Dundee Ltd and the Scottish Government “seeking additional information about the construction of the museum”.
Minutes from the behind closed doors hearing said: “The committee will await the conclusion of Dundee City Council’s review before considering whether to undertake any further work.”
Ms Baker added: “We now know that the Scottish Government were aware of the significant overspend and further delay at the V&A as far back as April 2014 but kept that a secret.
“With the majority of costs coming from the public purse it is vital that we have transparency and accountability regarding who know what and when, and why the costs have risen so dramatically.”
The committee has received Ms Baker’s letter but will not discuss the V&A during today’s session, which will focus on a British Sign Language Bill. However, it will be considered for future meetings.