The Registers of Scotland is an archive of land ownership

It emerged earlier this year the agency, and its 1,000 staff currently based in Edinburgh's Meadowbank House, was being considered for a move.

The move from the capital would be part of the executive's policy of spreading public sector jobs in Scotland.

The Registers of Scotland uses advanced technology to carry out its work, which includes recording land ownership.

This will deliver the best long-term outcomes both for the public and for the staff. Des McNulty Deputy communities minister

Deputy communities minister Des McNulty said on Friday a decision had been deferred to allow any move to be considered in the wider context of a "business change programme" the agency was undergoing.

The programme aims to increase the use of new technology to ensure it is as efficient and effective as possible and improve customer service.

Mr McNulty said ministers had considered a relocation appraisal report by Registers of Scotland, which envisaged a partial, phased move.

He said: "However, it is far more sensible to make decisions on relocating posts within the context of the future needs of the agency.

"To consider these issues separately would cause unnecessary dislocation and disruption.

"This will deliver the best long-term outcomes both for the public and for the staff."

He added that he had asked the agency to consider its future accommodation needs and location and to report back on the potential options within a year."

About 15 locations in six local authorities areas - Fife, Glasgow City, North Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire and West Lothian - were considered for a relocation of up to 200 jobs.

A partial relocation of about 150 or 200 jobs was also a consideration, with the majority of the staff remaining in Edinburgh, and the creation of some small satellite operations in more remote areas.