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Parliamentary News Release

066/2004

11 October 2004

SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT BUILDS ON SUCCESS WITH FIRST TOUR VISITORS

The first family to gain exclusive access to the new Scottish Parliament have described the building as “inspirational”.

The Milton family, from Oldmeldrum in Aberdeenshire were among 25 lucky people to take part in the first official guided tour of the building on Monday 11 th October.

Ian Milton, wife Alison, and sons Ramsay (13) and 10-year-old twins Findlay and Fraser, visited the Parliament during a short break in Edinburgh and the whole family pronounced themselves “very impressed”.

Ian, who works as a chartered surveyor, commented:

“I know people who had visited the Parliament in the run-up to the opening ceremony and I’ve seen it on TV but I must admit it really is impressive when you actually see it for yourself.

“It’s a bold and inspirational building - the debating chamber is beautiful and the garden lobby area is also really eye-catching.”

Alison’s view was also very positive:

“The whole building demands a reaction”, she said. “It definitely exceeded my expectations – Scotland deserves an impressive building for its Parliament and that’s definitely what has been achieved.”

The younger members of the Milton family also enjoyed their tour and sung the Parliament’s praises.

Eldest son Ramsay commented: “It was good to hear the guide explaining the background to the Parliament – it would be interesting to know what the architect had in mind when he was designing it.”

Twins Findlay and Fraser were also impressed and described the Parliament’s debating chamber as “cool and awesome.”

The launch of the tour service follows Saturday’s successful official opening of the building in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen. Demand for the rest of the year is expected to remain high, with Parliament staff already receiving bookings up to Christmas Eve.

The tours last for 45 minutes and provide a detailed commentary on the building itself, from its design to the artwork on the walls, and the history of the Scottish Parliament from devolution to elections. Visitors can also expect to gain an insight into the day-to-day workings of the Parliament.

Starting from the main public area of the Parliament building, visitors are taken to the floor of the Chamber to see where the MSPs meet to debate and decide on the issues that matter to the people of Scotland .

In the Chamber, visitors can view a number of striking elements which include an oak beam ceiling reminiscent of early boat-building principles.

The tours include visits to one of the six Committee Rooms – where MSPs take evidence from witnesses, scrutinise legislation and conduct inquiries - and go further into the building to allow views of the MSPs’ office accommodation and historic Queensberry House. Visitors can also explore some of the most eye-catching areas of the building, including the Garden Lobby, glazed walkway and black and white corridor, where MSPs are interviewed by the media.

Up to four tours every hour will run at the Parliament, each accommodating a maximum of 25 people. Until the end of the Parliament’s current October recess and during future recess periods, the tours will run seven days a week.

At all other times when the Parliament is sitting, the tours will run on Mondays and Fridays and at weekends.

The tours cost £3.50 for adults, £1.75 for concessions and there is no charge for children under the age of five or support workers/carers accompanying a disabled person. There are a range of family ticket prices and a 10 per cent reduction for large groups of 25 or more.

The charges have been set at a level to cover the cost of operating the professional tours.

The service is run by a pool of 100 guides from the Scottish Tourist Guides Association and Mercat Tours. Initially, tours will be given in English and the intention is to offer tours in other languages by next year.

In addition to the guided tours, all visitors to the Parliament can freely access the public areas, view an exhibition about the Parliament or make use of the shop, public café, crèche and Visitor Information Desk.

On business days, members of the public can book free tickets to see Parliament in action in committees or meetings of the full Parliament. This is a very popular option and booking in advance is recommended. On non-business days, the Chamber and Committee Room public galleries are open for visitors to see these remarkable spaces and staff are available to answer questions.

A massive 32,982 visitors passed through the Scottish Parliament's doors in the four weeks since the new building opened its doors to the public on September 7. The figure is almost 3,000 more than those who visited the Parliament at its former George IV Bridge location in the year between May 2003 and April 2004. The public crèche has been used by almost 60 visitors to the building so far.

The Parliament shop has made brisk sales since opening in recent weeks, with the best selling items including a range of postcards depicting the building and The Scottish Parliament Whisky, with both the blend and malt proving popular.

To book a tour, please call telephone (voice): 0131 348 5200

Textphone users are also welcome to contact any of the Scottish Parliament's telephone numbers using the RNID Typetalk service.

The contact for members of the media is:

Eric MacLeod Tel: 0131 348 5389
RNID TypeTalk calls welcome
email: eric.macleod@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
Visit our website at: www.scottish.parliament.uk