Scottish parliament building © SPCB 2003

MSPs are preparing to take up residence in the new Scottish parliament building over the next fortnight.

Ahead of next month's first plenary session in the controversial new building, MSPs and their staff are getting set for the move to Holyrood.

Civil servants moved into their offices in the new purpose-built building earlier this month.

The controversial building is nearly three years overdue and more than 10 times over-budget.

Yet the chamber is now complete and this week played host to a mock debate involving 100 civil servants taking on the role of Scotland's political masters.

Despite remaining "glitches" those already installed in the £440 million building have given it an early thumbs up.