Scotland on Sunday

They cost £125,000 each and feature oak-panelling, wireless computers and the much-vaunted 'contemplation booths'. But despite having the last word in designer chic, MSPs are unhappy that there are not enough rooms with a view at the new Scottish parliament. As a result, a bitter war has broken out between political parties over who gets which office in the £400m Holyrood edifice.

The addition of a blast wall to protect legislators and their staff from terrorist attack has obstructed the view from 38 of the building's 108 MSPs' offices. The oblique glimpses of Holyrood Road and views of neighbouring flats have been replaced below the second floor with a Brutalist vision of concrete just five feet from the oak lattices covering their windows.