Andrew Cowan
Assistant Media Relations Officer
Telephone 0131 348 6852
email: andrew.cowan@scottish.parliament.uk

This material can be made available in a range of other formats and languages on request by calling the number above.

Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body
Holyrood: Media Access, Broadcast Access and Media Protocols

The full terms and conditions for media access for reporters, photographers and broadcasters were agreed by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) in December 2004.
This includes details of areas of access for the media, broadcast rules, photography rules and health and safety conditions. Please read the SPCB Terms and Conditions.

Media Day Pass Access Requirements

Please be aware that while on the Parliamentary complex you will be required to follow the guidelines below at all times. No pass will be issued unless acceptable ID is shown.

Forms of acceptable ID are:

Any one of the following:
• UK driving license
• UK passport

Or a combination of two of the following:
• Bank/building society statement or cheque guarantee/credit card
• Utility bill
• Council tax statement or payment book

Please note that an NUJ card is not an acceptable form of ID.

While you are in the Parliamentary complex, you must wear your media day pass clearly displayed on your person.

Media Day Passes are only for use within the Parliamentary complex and MUST be returned to Canongate reception, where you will be required to sign out, before you leave. On NO occasion can passes be removed from the building, this includes for the purpose of short breaks.

Code of Conduct: This must be adhered to at all times.

1. Accredited journalists should conduct themselves in a manner befitting the Parliament of the Scottish people.

2. Accredited journalists should observe agreed parliamentary regulations about areas that are out-of-bounds, and other agreed conventions. The media access arrangements and protocols are set out on the Parliament’s website.

3. Accredited journalists should treat parliamentary staff with due courtesy and consideration.

4. Accredited journalists should not act as lobbyists, paid or unpaid, for any individual or organisation that might seek to influence the political process or benefit from inside knowledge of the political process. Accredited journalists should not approach MSPs, civil servants, party officials or parliamentary staff to seek information for such individuals or organisations or to represent their views
Note:
Alleged breaches of this code may be dealt with in the first instance by the accredited journalist’s editor or head of news. Ultimately, the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body reserves the right to withdraw parliamentary passes.

Accessibility Requirements

Holyrood has been designed with disability access issues fully in mind and we have a number of services to enable you to visit. If you have any specific access requirements in relation to your visit, please contact the Media Relations Office.

Smoking Policy

The Scottish Parliament is a no smoking premises. It is an offence to smoke or knowingly to permit smoking in these premises.  If you observe someone smoking here, a complaint may be made to the Facilities Management Helpdesk on 0131 348 5100.

Accident Reporting

If you witness or are involved in an accident whilst on the Parliamentary complex please contact the Media Relations Office.

Fire Evacuation Procedures

The Scottish Parliament uses a system of voice messages for transmitting Fire Alert/Evacuation messages over the public address system. Should you require assistance in the case of an emergency evacuation please advise us in advance. We will then prepare a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) with you. The plan will ensure that you and the appropriate staff are aware of what assistance you will require in the case of an emergency evacuation.

If you are required to evacuate the building the following voice message will be transmitted:

“Attention please. Attention please. Fire has been reported in the (Zone location) of the building. Please leave the area immediately. Do not use the lifts.”

Discovering a Fire

Immediately
• Operate the nearest fire alarm control point by breaking the glass.
• Only if safe to do so, extinguish the fire using the appropriate fire extinguisher.

Follow the actions below after hearing the fire alarm

Once the alarm has sounded immediately:
• If safe to do so, close all doors and windows in your immediate vicinity.
• Leave the building using the nearest safe exit - do not stop or return to collect personal belongings.
• Make your way to the nearest Fire Evacuation Assembly Point. Members of the media assemble at Assembly Point 3 – Horsewynd
• Do not delay your own evacuation or put yourself at risk in order to facilitate the evacuation of others, but report any concerns to the Fire Evacuation Assembly Point Controller, (identified by the high visibility vests).
• Only re-enter the building via the main entrance when instructed it is safe to do so.

It is the responsibility of each individual to make themselves aware of their nearest alarm call point, the route of the fire escape and the designated Fire Evacuation Assembly Points.

The onus is on each individual to ensure that they respond to the fire evacuation call immediately.