The cost of the new Scottish Parliament building in Edinburgh has broken through the �300m barrier.

New figures from parliamentary officials put the cost of the building at just under �295m.

In addition �14.2m will be spent on landscaping.

The increase of �28.2m over the last estimate was blamed largely on the need for increased bomb proofing after 11 September.

Tory leader David McLetchie wants debate

Delays in a major glazing contract and problems with increased costs for internal fittings were also given as reasons for the higher cost.

The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body, the ruling body of the parliament, confirmed the new figure in a submission to the finance committee.

The Scottish Conservative leader, David McLetchie, reacted angrily to the increased cost, asking: "When will this fiasco end?"

'Blank cheques

He added: "We were told five years ago that the new parliament would cost a maximum of �40m.

"But as blank cheque after blank cheque has been negligently signed by the government, we now know that the true cost will be almost eight times this original figure."

Mr McLetchie said the cash spent on the project could have delivered 83 primary schools, 25 secondary schools or three brand new hospitals.

Holyrood windows (Copyright: Simon Grosset)

He called for a full debate in the Scottish Parliament at the earliest opportunity.

The parliament's presiding officer, Sir David Steel, says the building will be a success, despite construction and financial problems.

Fitting out work is now under way on the site.

The first oak and steel bay-windows have been put in place in MSPs' offices.

They were designed by the late Enric Miralles, the parliament's Spanish architect.

Once complete, there will be 130 of the highly stylised windows on the site, each offering views of Edinburgh's Salisbury Crags.