Scottish Ministers have formally adopted the title Scottish Government to replace the term Scottish Executive as an expression of corporate identity.

The change is intended to help the public more clearly understand the role and functions of the devolved Government in Scotland.

The rebranding has immediate effect. Signs at the six main Government buildings in Edinburgh and Glasgow have already been changed but other material such as stationery will only be changed gradually to be as cost effective as possible in the transition.

The decision was taken to adopt the new identity because research showed that the term Scottish Executive was confusing or meaningless to many members of the public.

The Scottish Social Attitudes survey and a Citizens' Jury examining Executive communications have both indicated limited understanding of what the Executive does and some confusion with other government bodies, notably the Scottish Parliament but also the UK Government.

The Government believes that £1.1 million savings made from having fewer Cabinet Ministers than the previous administration, fewer private office staff and fewer special advisers more than covers the cost of rebranding.

The cost of creating the new logo and changing the main signage on the buildings has been £100,000.