Board members want Environment Minister Ross Finnie to set out the reasoning behind the controversial move.

They say that the executive-funded organisation faces major disruption over the next few years under the plans.

The relocation of headquarters jobs from Edinburgh to Inverness is the latest in a programme of decentralising government posts to spread economic benefits around the country.

Expressed sympathy

But staff have been angered by the decision, which has been condemned by unions as unworkable and a waste of taxpayers' money.

Consultations among Edinburgh staff last year warned up to 80% of workers would be forced to leave the agency, because of family and personal reasons, rather than relocate to Inverness.

Unions staged a protest over the move in Edinburgh this week.

The SNH Board decided to write to the minister.

Board members, who have expressed sympathy and support for staff affected, are concerned the loss of experience and skills will have a significant impact on the organisation, and will be difficult to replace.

They will also be asking the minister for further details of the financial and other help which he has promised the Scottish Executive will provide A SNH board spokesman

A spokesman said: "They agreed to write to Ross Finnie, the minister responsible for SNH, to seek a fuller explanation of the reasons behind the decision and the basis on which it was taken.

"They will also be asking the minister for further details of the financial and other help which he has promised the Scottish Executive will provide to help implement the decision."

The agency, which is responsible for conservation and environment issues, at present employs 270 people at two sites in Edinburgh.

The move announced last week will take it to a purpose-built site in Inverness by 2005.

SNH employs some 864 people, including part-time and temporary staff.

Unions point out that 69% of staff already work in 40 offices around Scotland, away from Edinburgh.