I have been involved with the project for more than a year already and feel that I know it very well and know all the people involved in it

Sarah Davidson

His decision to quit prompted anger from opposition MSPs who wanted to know the reasons behind his departure.

There were also questions raised over the appointment of a successor with no building experience.

Scottish National Party MSP Margo MacDonald told a briefing meeting that they had gone "down market" for a new director.

She was told that the 30-year-old civil servant had the complete confidence of the design and construction teams.

Ms Davidson told BBC Scotland's Holyrood programme that the criticism had not made the task more daunting.

Co-ordinating job

"I have been involved with the project for more than a year already and feel that I know it very well and know all the people involved in it.

"What is going on now is very much a co-ordinating job as we look towards the last 18 months or two years of the project - pulling everything together, making sure people are talking to each other and making sure that we get a fantastic building," she said.

"I see my job very much as a co-ordination and management job.

"I am ably supported by a huge team of professionals, both in the Holyrood project team and among the consultants who work on the project.

Building work is continuing

"Between all of us working as a team I am sure we can complete this project."

Presiding Officer Sir David Steel insisted on Saturday that the new parliament would become one of the most outstanding examples of early 21st century architecture.

Ms Davidson agreed, pointing to the interest shown in the project by architects across the world.

"I think it will stand to speak for itself in due course," she said.

MSPs have agreed to scrap the �195m limit which they set last year.

Those in charge of the project said they could not put a final figure on the price of the new building - which was initially estimated to cost nearer �50m.