Parliamentary News Release

050/2003

Friday 29 August 2003

TRANSCRIPT OF SIR SEAN CONNERY’S VIEWS ON HOLYROOD SITE VISIT

‘A great building for Scotland’ - Sir Sean Connery’s view of the Holyrood building project following a site tour of the new Parliament building today with Presiding Officer George Reid.

Sir Sean commented on the progress made on site saying there had been “enormous change” and that he was “marvellously impressed”.

He added that he was taken by: “The surprise elements, the roofs, the detail of light, the ceilings for example have got this hieroglyphics look and when you look closer you get a different light, you get a different angle, its like a different colour.

“I also like the fact that they have not gone crazy with lots and lots of different woods and stayed with the basic two. The joinery work is fantastic.

“It’s seriously, marvellously impressive. And the height which I’d felt was going to be kind of minimised because of the Crags and the surrounding places and everything, it’s got its own position and sense, and the place out there with the upturned boats and everything. A lot of marvellous imaginative stuff in it and it’s increased, what was it, going to be 12 000 square metres and what is it 33,000 now?

“It’s great, it’s great for Scotland, it’s great that we have this and I can’t wait for it to be finished. I’m not the only one, I know a lot of people are feeling the same way.”

Referring to the opening of the Holyrood building he said: “Oh yes, I will certainly be here. It’s next year and we will be here without question, whatever I am doing, once we know what the date is I will make my plans around it.”

Sir Sean Connery visits Holyrood

Speaking after the visit Presiding Officer George Reid said:

"Sean was very enthusiastic about the design of the building and the quality of materials used throughout.

"I was heartened that he recognised the Holyrood building as 'great for Scotland' and was clearly enthused by the architecture.

"I very much look forward to welcoming him back for the opening."

Broadcast video footage of Sir Sean touring the site and speaking with George Reid is available on request from the Parliament. Stills photographs are also available

Background

Sir Sean Connery and his wife Micheline today received a guided tour of the new Scottish Parliament building from the Presiding Officer George Reid.

The two-hour tour began at 2.00pm at the bottom of Holyrood Road in the new Parliament Building Information Centre. Later, on site, Sir Sean's tour took in views of the Parliament's dramatic glazed public foyer area, the new Debating Chamber, the Committee Rooms and a 5th floor MSP’s office.

The idea for the tour was suggested to Sir Sean by his friend, film-maker Murray Grigor. Mr Grigor's film on the work and inspirations of Catalan architect, Enric Miralles, can be viewed at the new Parliament Building Information Centre.

For further information the media contact is:

Eric MacLeod: 0131 348 5389
email: eric.macleod@scottish.parliament.uk

For public information enquiries, contact: 0131 34 85000

For general enquiries, contact: 0845 278 1999 (local call rate)
email: sp.info@scottish.parliament.uk
Visit our website at: www.scottish.parliament.uk