An engineering company which has worked on contracts as diverse as a palace for Saddam Hussein and Disneyland Paris has won a multi-million pound deal for the new Scottish Parliament.

Mivan, which is based in Northern Ireland, has clinched a �20m contract to fit out the building at Holyrood.

Scottish National Party MSP Margo MacDonald MSP, a long-time critic of the project, said: "I am sure their eclectic work experience will raise a few laughs in Scotland."

Maybe they've decided at this late stage that it's a tourism opportunity rather than a democratic centre

David Davidson Tory MSP

The company has built a palace for the Iraqi leader, a hospital in the Gaza Strip and an entire town in Thailand.

It was the biggest general contractor at Disneyland Paris and is currently working on a new theme park for Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.

Mivan is also completing work on another �4m fitting-out contract at Holyrood.

It plans to make an immediate start on the new contract, which will involve the installation of metalwork, fireproof timber doors, partitions and furniture in a number of buildings including the debating chamber.

Work should be completed by April next year.

Chief executive Ivan McCabrey said: "This is an exciting and challenging project and we are delighted that Mivan has been chosen for some of the most prestigious elements of the overall contract."

Tourism opportunity

Tory MSP David Davidson said Mivan's previous work with Disney was significant.

"It sounds like they've got a bit more of a track record for theme parks rather than a practical debating chamber," he said.

"Maybe they've decided at this late stage that it's a tourism opportunity rather than a democratic centre."

The total cost of the Holyrood building is estimated at more than �300m.