Interior of Chamber

The members were given a brief oral report from the group which visited the Dutch Parliament's second chamber (Tweede Kamer) in The Hague and the Flemish Parliament in Brussels late last month.

Representatives from the Design Team then updated the SPCB on their latest plans for the interior of the new chamber, which took on board comments from the three members who visited Europe (Sir David Steel MSP, Robert Brown MSP and Andrew Welsh MSP).

After the presentation, Sir David said:

"We found the visit to the Dutch and Flemish Parliament's very worthwhile in contributing to our thoughts on the interior of the chamber at Holyrood.

"The Design Team has taken on board our views and its amended proposals - which do not in any way alter the 'footprint' of the building which will house the chamber - met with the approval of the SPCB.

"The Design Team has now been asked to refine its proposals in order that the SPCB can present them to all MSPs shortly after the Parliament returns from the recess."

Queensberry House

The SPCB were also given a presentation on the proposals for renovating Queensberry House, at the lower end of the Canongate, so it can become an integral part of the new Parliamentary complex.

They were guided through plans which show how the historic building, parts of which date back to the 17th century and which was latterly a Board of Ordnance barracks, a house of refuge for the destitute and a geriatric hospital, would become a innovative link between the MSP's offices and the main Parliamentary complex.

Sir David said:

"There is a lot of interest in the renovation of Queensberry House, and the SPCB is keen to keep up a public information flow on plans for the building.

"We will be discussing the use of Queensberry House again before the end of the month and intend inviting the Royal Fine Arts Commission to our discussions, following their request for a meeting on the issue. Again, we will keep all Members up-to-date with our deliberations."