MANY SPIN-OFF benefits were promised but the “out-of-control” project to bring the Olympics to London is harming Scotland’s economic well-being, it was claimed last night.

Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart accused Westminster officials and Olympic organisers of “breathtaking complacency” and “contemptuous disregard” for those north of the border.

He claimed public confidence in the 2012 games is gradually eroding with all but those in London paying a “high price” the games.

Mr Wishart hit out after David Cairns, parliamentary under-secretary at the Scotland Office, insisted the construction of the Olympic park and venues is presenting “huge opportunities” for Scottish businesses.

Mr Cairns said “flexibility” in the UK labour market has contributed “substantially” to the record levels of employment Scotland currently enjoys.

However, Mr Wishart insisted important Scottish projects are being ignored as tradesmen are encouraged to rush to London in search of lucrative work associated with the 2012 games.

He said it is time for Westminster to “come clean” about the true costs of the Olympics to Scotland.

“Large numbers of Scottish architects and other building professionals and tradesmen are being lured to the south-east of England due to the honeypot effect of Olympic building projects,” Mr Wishart said.

“The Scotland Office seem breathtakingly complacent about the damage that might be done to the prospects for Scotland’s economic growth by the out-of-control Olympic project.

“We are losing the skills of architects, surveyors, civil engineers, and builders whose expertise should have a vital part to play in executing the critical infrastructure projects necessary to revitalise our nation’s economy for the twenty-first century.”

Mr Wishart said there is significant, industry-led support for his concerns, continuing, “Nine months ago Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell was forced to admit that Olympic project costs had increased by 40% in a year.

“Now we are reading reports that the President of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland believes that the primacy of the Olympic project may undermine projects and developments that are crucial for Scotland’s long-term economic well-being.

“Just how big a price are the people of Scotland expected to pay?”

Mr Wishart said there are many major projects that require attention in Scotland but fears they are being put on the back-burner on the whim of Westminster colleagues determined to see London grabbing the global limelight in 2012.

He accused Mr Cairns of ignoring concerns and showing “a contemptuous disregard” for a competitive edge for Scotland.

Mr Wishart continued, “Too much of the background to the costs of the Olympic project remains shrouded in mystery.

“Public confidence has been shaken as the costs have spiralled out of control with little evidence of any tangible economic benefits to Scotland or indeed other regions of the UK.”

Mr Wishart has lodged a freedom of information request with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, on a number of “crucial questions” on the cost of with the Olympics.

It asks for all contracts, memoranda and correspondence on the Olympics construction projects.