Parliamentary News Release
069/2004
11 November 2004
HOLYROOD REACHES 100,000 VISITORS
Visitor figures went through the 100,000 barrier at the new Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood today. The landmark figure puts the Parliament on schedule to reach its projected number of 780,000 visitors in the first year alone.
Since opening to the public on 7 September, just over nine weeks ago, members of the public have flocked to Holyrood to watch debates, give evidence at Committees and simply see Scotland’s new Parliament building for themselves.
Speaking in the Parliament’s Main Hall this afternoon visitor number 100,000 was 71 year old, retired weaver, Mr John Corrigan. He had travelled from Galston in Ayrshire with his friend and neighbour, retired lorry driver Bart Paton, also 71.
Mr Corrigan who was presented with a bottle of Scottish Parliament champagne courtesy of the Parliament’s shop said:
“We’re through from Ayrshire for the day. We wanted to see the Parliament because we had only seen it on the television and wanted to see it in reality.”
Asked how it felt to be the 100,000 th visitor, Mr Corrigan said:
“Great. It’s brilliant to be here,” adding quickly, “and we’ll drink that when we get home!”
Head of Visitor and Outreach Services, Rosemary Everett said:
“The response from the people of Scotland and from tourists visiting Scotland has been overwhelmingly positive.
“So far, we have welcomed an average of around 1500 visitors per day. The building itself is proving to be a very popular attraction with many people taking advantage of the guided tours on non-sitting days.
“However, on business days the public gallery is frequently packed with everyone from school children to groups of senior citizens eager to see how the Parliament works.”
According to market research commissioned by the Parliament, the projected visitor numbers for the first three years are as follows:
- 780,000 visitors expected in 2004 – 05
- 767,000 visitors expected in 2005 – 06
- 759,000 visitors expected in 2006 – 07
The busiest day yet in Parliament was on Wednesday 27 October with 3735 visitors.
Background
The Scottish Parliament building is open free of charge to the public all year round.
Places on specialised guided tours are also available for booking for up until Christmas and into 2005.
More information on visiting Holyrood is available on the Scottish Parliament website at the following address:
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/vli/visitingHolyrood/index.htm
The contact for members of the media is:
Richard Holligan: Tel: 0131 348 6269
RNID TypeTalk calls welcome
email: richard.holligan@scottish.parliament.uk
For public information enquiries , contact: 0131 348 5000
For general enquiries, contact: 0845 278 1999 (local call rate)
Text phone: 0131 348 3415 RNID Typetalk calls welcome
email: sp.info@scottish.parliament.uk
Visit our website at: www.scottish.parliament.uk