Parliamentary News Release

044/2004

6 September 2004

POSTCARD WINNERS FOR ROYAL OPENING ANNOUNCED

Eight winners of tickets to the formal opening of Holyrood have been announced today. The under-eighteen year-olds have won their tickets to the big day through the Scottish Parliament's postcard competition.

In total, 2479 entries were received from across Scotland as part of the competition to design a postcard showing how people can get involved with the Scottish Parliament.

Each winner will take part in the 1,000 strong Riding down the Royal Mile and attending the Presiding Officer's reception inside Holyrood in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen. In addition, the winning pictures will all be made into Scottish Parliament postcards.

The winners from each of Scotland 's eight regions are:

Central Scotland: Abigail Stirling, 8 years old, Falkirk	North East Scotland: Emily Lay, 14, Aboyne Academy	Mid Scotland and Fife: Marnie Elise Taylor, 10, Foulford Primary School , Cowdenbeath
Lothian: Fiona Hollow, 8, Bruntsfield Primary, Edinburgh	Highlands and Islands: Padruig Morrison, 8, North Uist
Glasgow: Emma McBride, 11, Broomhill Primary, Glasgow	West of Scotland: Emma Collins, 11, St Joseph 's Primary School, Faifley, Clydebank	South Scotland: 15 year old pupil, Mainholm Academy , Ayr (name withheld on request)

Background:

The judges were the Chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament Paul Kane, the Daily Record's Picture Editor Stuart Nicoll and local Scottish artist John Bellany.

The postcard competition winners will also receive a ticket for an accompanying adult. The Parliament will also organise return transport for the winners.

The Parliament will use the printed postcards in its future participation events.

Members of the public still have the chance to be part of the celebrations surrounding the opening of the new Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood in October through the public ballot. A total of 48 places are available, 32 in the historic Parliament Hall in Edinburgh 's Old Town and 16 in the gallery at the new Debating Chamber. The closing date for the ballot is midday today (6 September).

The Riding marks the centuries-old Scots tradition of Parliament and People working in public partnership. Unlike the Ridings of the 17th Century, the 2004 Riding will start at Parliament Hall and finish at the bottom of the Royal Mile at the new Holyrood building. It is expected to start late morning. Taking part in the Riding will be the winners of the postcard competition, MSPs and their local heroes, representatives from civic Scotland , religious leaders, and representatives from countries throughout the World.

The contact for members of the media is:

Sally Coyne: 0131 348 6610 (RNID TalkType calls welcome)
email: sally.coyne@scottish.parliament.uk

For public information enquiries, contact: 0131 34 85000
For general enquiries, contact: 0845 278 1999 (local call rate)
Text phone: 0131 348 3415 RNID Typetalk calls welcome on 018001
email: sp.info@scottish.parliament.uk
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