FIVE THOUSAND VISIT THE PARLIAMENT ON 'DOORS OPEN DAY'

The Parliament's first ever participation in "Doors Open Day" has been voted a resounding success by the five thousand members of the public who grabbed the chance to see behind the scenes at the Mound on Saturday.

Looking back on Saturday's event, Public Information Manager Rosemary Everett said:

"Doors Open Day was a unique opportunity for the public to see a side of the Parliament normally reserved for MSPs and staff. Originally we thought around a thousand might drop by, but we were absolutely delighted with the number who turned up to see inside the Chamber and meet the people who make the Parliament work.

"Although we were only open from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, the public response was overwhelming. More than 5,000 people visited the main debating chamber, 1,350 visited our committee rooms and no less than 1,700 now have the privilege of being able to say they have eaten in the MSPs restaurant.

"Judging by the names and comments in the visitors book, we had visitors from as far afield as Australia, New Zealand and Thailand, as well as those from closer to home such as Argyll, the Borders, Inverness and Ayrshire. In general the comments seemed to be very positive. One visitor said he was 'very pleased to be able to meet the hard-working staff who make it work', while another chipped in with 'not enough space - push on the new Parliament'!"

For more information on Doors Open Day across Scotland ring 0141 248 1188 or visit www.doorsopendays.org.uk

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