The jobs will be transferred to Inverness

The executive has formally ordered the agency to move to Inverness despite fears of a brain drain and a bill expected to top �30m.

Staff and unions have been protesting over the plans and economic consultants had previously advised against the move.

However, ministers confirmed on Tuesday that it will go ahead as part of a policy to disperse the benefits of public sector jobs around Scotland.

All but 50 of the 270 posts at SNH's headquarters are being relocated but a large number of employees are expected to resign rather than move north.

The SNH staff will get a very warm welcome in Inverness and I'm sure that once they move there they will enjoy the quality of life Maureen McMillan MSP

As a result, Edinburgh MSPs including former minister Susan Deacon are calling for an independent inquiry into the case.

They want Audit Scotland to launch an investigation into the costs of the move which the executive has promised to pay for.

But Highland Labour MSP Maureen McMillan said the employees should welcome a move to Inverness.

"I know that it's difficult for the staff in SNH, they have their concerns about their families and their partners finding other jobs.

'Flawed step'

"But I do think a lot is being done to facilitate the move and after all it is still a couple of years ahead and we hope we can get these details sorted out.

"The SNH staff will get a very warm welcome in Inverness and I'm sure that once they move there they will enjoy the quality of life."

Ms Deacon, Labour MSP for Edinburgh East and Musselburgh, said: "I am surprised and bitterly disappointed that the executive has pressed ahead with the imposition of this move.

Susan Deacon called the move "ill-judged"

"This is an ill-judged step on top of an already flawed position, and I will be continuing to raise this issue in parliament and with ministers.

"There are widespread concerns about the substance and handling of this decision, and serious questions still remain to be answered."

BBC Scotland's political correspondent Glenn Campbell said the executive's decision to order SNH to comply was an unusual one.

"Ministers have used formal powers of direction, for the first time since devolution, to insist SNH proceeds.