A PUBLIC reception desk at the new Scottish Parliament is to cost the taxpayer around (pounds) 88,000.

The 36ft long curved desk has been especially commissioned from one of Britain's leading designers, David Colwell.

Officials justified its cost by saying ''only the very best would do'' to ensure visitors got a good first impression of Scotland's new centre of government.

Made of Scottish sycamore and oak, it will be situated just inside the main public entrance to the new building and will provide working space for up to six reception staff.

The price of the desk may be small change compared to the escalating costs of the parliament, now estimated at (pounds) 338m, but it quickly reignited criticisms over the rising costs.

John Swinney, the SNP leader, said: ''This is clearly an

indefensible and extravagant amount to pay for a piece of furniture.''

Jamie Stone, MSP, convener of the parliament's art group, defended the decision to appoint Colwell, whose work is displayed in the Victoria and Albert Museum, to construct the desk. ''We wanted to commission something for the front of house befitting Scotland's parliament. Only the very best would do. David Colwell's design shone through as being what we wanted.

''I feel there is an exact parallel between the desk and the parliament building itself. I was showing a group of people the building recently and they were absolutely stunned. The same will be true of the desk. It's a fact that really good design and quality cost money.''

Mr Colwell's design was chosen by open competition from a short list of five after judges were impressed by the way his design reflected the overall design of the building as envisaged by Enric Miralles, its architect who died in 2000.

Mr Colwell, based in Wales, rose to prominence in the world of contemporary design in 1968 after he designed a plastic chair known as the C1, the contour chair, which encapsulated the trend for using new materials to make everyday household objects.

He said he was delighted at winning the commission and that his design would be based on the fluidity he had noticed when looking at the contours of Scotland on maps.

''It will be a series of six segments linked together like a chain. It will be people friendly and approachable,'' he said.

There have been other top-of the range costs. Fixtures such as flooring private bathrooms for MSPs and the main reception area in Caithness stone has cost more than (pounds) 250,000.