It cost �27m to move Scottish Natural Heritage to Inverness

Edinburgh has lost almost 2,000 public sector jobs since the executive's dispersal policy began six years ago.

Half of them have gone to Glasgow and more are set to follow suit.

However, future decisions have been put on hold by the executive because of concerns over the costs involved in relocating government agencies.

Ministers are delaying decisions until the outcome of a value for money report by Audit Scotland.

Relocation plans

When Scottish Natural Heritage was told to move from Edinburgh to Inverness in 2003, there was a storm of protest.

It cost �27m and only 40 out of its 270 staff are actually making the move.

The housing agency Communities Scotland was relocated to Glasgow with 110 jobs.

A further 450 jobs in the NHS and 210 jobs in lifelong learning have gone to Glasgow.

Sport Scotland, the Arts Council, the land and property register are also expected to move to Glasgow, involving more than 1,000 jobs.

Edinburgh and Glasgow councils have been lobbying hard over the relocations.

The leader of Edinburgh City Council, Donald Anderson, said it was time to call a halt to wholesale jobs dispersal.

He said: "I don't think the answer to the economic ills of other parts of Scotland is to import more public sector jobs."

Steven Purcell, leader of Glasgow Council, said: "I think Glasgow is a place where everyone wants to be at the moment. We are seeing record levels of investment: new homes, new schools, new offices, new businesses springing up right across the city.