Published on:
23
October 2012
A Group of Clackmannanshire schoolchildren, as part of their social studies this term, enjoyed a full day out at The Scottish Parliament at Holyrood, Edinburgh.
Children from St Serf's Primary School, were the guests of Transport Minister Keith Brown MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane.
They were also joined on the visit by Clackmannanshire Council,. Education Convener, Councillor Ellen Forson.
Primary 6 pupil, Lewis Quinn said afterwards: "It looked very big and modern from the outside. We walked up to the main entrance and went in through the big doors. We had to put our bags through a security machine. In the Main Hall we met Councillor Forson, who handed us all security passes which we had to wear around our necks."
"As we went into the Main Hall we noticed it has vaulted ceilings with St Andrew's crosses carved on it.
"We were led out of there into a committee room to watch 'First Minister's Question Time'. Sadly Alex Salmond was in America but Deputy Leader, Nicola Sturgeon, answered the questions for the Government.
"It was really exciting when they all banged the table in agreement and the Presiding Officer had to shout 'Order."
Afterwards the children were met by Keith Brown MSP where they were able to quiz him both about his job as an MSP and as Transport Minister.
Lyn Campbell, also of Primary 6, added: "He took us on a tour of the building. There are 108 offices for MSPs. After that we went to the Debating Chamber. This we quickly realised was a very important place. There are 129 MSPs. Sometimes they hold debates to decide if new laws should be made.
"We also saw Queensberry House, it is a very old building and attached to the Parliament. We walked back through the Garden Lobby. The windows are leaf shaped in the ceiling."
The children then went back to the committee room to have lunch and got the chance to ask Keith Brown more questions, before departing.
Lyn added: "We had an amazing day and learned so much about our Scottish Parliament and the job of an MSP."
Councillor Forson said: "It was a great experience for the children of St Serf's, who had a thoroughly enjoyable day out, as well as being able to see for themselves at first hand how the Scottish Parliament operates."