MSPs this week returned to the Scottish parliament’s main debating chamber for the first time since one of the 60 oak ceiling beams swung loose at the beginning of March.

They had been using temporary accommodation while work continued to stabilise the complex wood and steel structure.

Holyrood’s presiding officer, George Reid, has written to all MSPs to update them of the latest progress.

Arup, the structural engineers for the Holyrood Building Project, have confirmed that the roof structure remains stable.

Arup, and one other independent engineering firm, are leading the inquiry into the incident and their investigation will aim to establish whether contractors are to blame.

In his letter, Reid confirmed that although the initial costs arising from the incident will be met from public funds, he is keen to recover this outlay.

"I have stated consistently from the outset that we shall do all we can to recover such costs for the taxpayer and the public purse," he said.

"The parliament expected contractors to meet their contractual obligations and will consider any action which may be open to recover costs in the light of the findings of the ongoing investigation."

The ceiling failure is the latest in a spate of problems for Scotland’s new parliament.

The building, which opened in 2004, endured serious cost and time overruns during its construction.

It eventually cost well over £400m - compared to an original budget of £55m in July 1998 when the architects were appointed.