Scottish Parliament Visit – 7 June 2018

The sun shone on the decent-sized party of members and friends who clambered aboard the bus at the Savoy Park for a trip to the Scottish Parliament. We were welcomed there by club member John Scott MSP and his PA, Gillian who, quietly and efficiently, made sure we were well looked after from beginning to end.

The visit began, over coffee in one of the elegant committee rooms, with an introduction by John to the building itself, something of its history, its setting, and the workings of the Parliament. John was first elected a parliamentary member in 2000 and his familiarity with the place and processes was very evident.

We were then ushered into the debating chamber for First Minister’s Question Time where we listened to lively discussion covering the usual range of topics from education to health. Then it was back to another of the committee rooms for an appetising sandwich lunch following which John took us on a guided tour of the building. So it was back into the now-deserted debating chamber where John explained to us the technicalities of conducting day-to-day parliamentary business based on his own lengthy spell as deputy presiding officer.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable, interesting and educational visit and a great opportunity to see, close-up, how modern democracy works. It is to be recommended to those who have not yet been there.

A convivial meal was enjoyed at Mcfalane’s on our return to Ayr.

Thanks are due to John for the invitation and to Ian Alexander for another expertly arranged outing.