Parliament Days set to travel across Scotland

Parliament Days aim to take the Parliament out of Edinburgh and into communities around Scotland, inspiring local people to take an interest in and engage directly with the Parliament and its work.

Initiated by the Parliament in 2012, Presiding Officer Tricia Marwick MSP (pictured) says she wants to see even greater focus on engagement with people across Scotland supported by more Parliament Day visits.

Ahead of Parliament Day Fort William taking place next Monday, Ms Marwick said: “The Scottish Parliament belongs to all the people of Scotland and that is why we are now visiting communities like Levenmouth in Fife as well as those further afield in Kirkwall and Dumfries.

“We know that the people of Scotland want to be involved in the political process and that is why I want the Parliament to get out and about across Scotland all the more often.”

Parliament Day invites people to see the Parliament first-hand, be it official business, or on a less formal level, and helps the Parliament listen to local people.

Ms Marwick added: “This is an opportunity for people to find out more about the Scottish Parliament and for MSPs to find out more about their concerns.”

Whilst each day is unique to the host community, activities have included visits to local groups, businesses and organisations, public committee meetings and visits by MSPs to local schools.

More details on the newly announced Parliament Days will be issued in due course and publicised locally, with the overall aim of making sure that as many people as possible know that a Parliament Day is taking place in their area.