31 Jan 2005
The Royal Bank of Scotland's new global HQ in Edinburgh was hailed "a world class working environment" by Scottish Secretary Alistair Darling today.
Mr Darling toured the new development in Gogarburn ahead of its opening this summer when it will house 3,250 RBS staff.
Alistair Darling said:
"The Royal Bank's Gogarburn development is a truly world class working environment befitting its importance as the global HQ of the 5th largest bank in the world.
"I have been impressed by what will be on offer to staff including leisure, childcare and retail facilities making this a working environment which meets the needs of a modern workforce and addresses the desire to improve their work-life balance.
"If Scotland is to compete in the global market, our companies need to be able to attract the best employees. This new headquarters will contribute significantly to making RBS an employer of choice.
"The financial services sector is of great importance to the Scottish economy. I welcome RBS's commitment to Edinburgh through this world class building which demonstrates the importance of the city as a financial centre to the rest of the UK and the wider world."
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. Photographs of Alistair Darling's visit to the Royal
Bank of Scotland today are available from Paul
Dodds on 07770 569 1846
2. The Royal Bank of Scotland's new global HQ at
Gogarburn on the outskirts of Edinburgh will
become operational this summer.