Visitors explore Holyrood on Doors Open Day

26 September 2005

Visitors explore the Garden Lobby

Thousands of people explored the Scottish Parliament on Saturday as Holyrood took part in Doors Open Day for the first time.

Visitors from across Scotland had the opportunity to discover parts of the building which are usually only accessible to MSPs, staff and visitors on formal guided tours.

They were able to access areas including the Parliament's committee rooms, the MSPs' glazed walkway and the much-praised Garden Lobby with its twelve leaf-shaped roof lights.

Parliament staff were on hand to answer visitors' questions and provide information about the work of Holyrood.

On the floor of the Chamber

A highlight for some was the chance to stand on the floor of the Parliament Chamber.

Sharon Howatson, 31, from Edinburgh said: "I think it's fantastic. I think the Debating Chamber is really good as you are so close to where the MSPs sit, you see them working and making decisions and that is what it is about.

Her mother Melrose Howatson, from Livingston, added: "I really like it. I especially like the use of the natural materials. I think the building will age really well."

Free crèche facility for families

Families were able to take advantage of the Parliament's free crèche facility which cares for children aged five and under. Carolann Gray and husband Stephen from Uddingston visited the Parliament with children, Lauren, aged 5, Nathan, 3 and 2-year-old Evan.

While Mum and Dad enjoyed their tour round the Parliament, the kids relaxed with painting and games in the crèche.

Admiring the ceiling of the Debating Chamber

Carolann said: "The crèche is fantastic, the kids have had a great time. It is a good idea for a public building to have a facility like this that we can use."

Stephen said: "It's great that we got to see the Parliament without having to drag the kids around. It's good to see somewhere catering for children for a change."

The Road to Holyrood

An added bonus was the chance to view a special photographic exhibition in the Garden Lobby.

The Road to Holyrood charts the path of devolution, and features work from some of Scotland's leading press photographers.
See the exhibition online.

Organised by the Cockburn Association and Edinburgh World Heritage, the aim of Doors Open Day is to encourage people to enjoy and understand their local architectural environment and develop a better awareness of Scotland's buildings.