Rotarians are given guided tour of Scottish Parliament

The sun shone on a decent- sized party of members and friends of Ayr Rotary Club as they clambered aboard the bus outside the Savoy Park Hotel for a trip to the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.

They were welcomed there by Ayr Rotary member John Scott MSP and his PA who, quietly and efficiently, made sure everyone was well looked after from beginning to end.

The visit began, over coffee in one of the elegant committee rooms, with an introduction by John to the building itself, something of its history, its setting, and the workings of the Parliament.

John was first elected a parliamentary member in 2000 and his familiarity with the place and processes was very evident.

The visiting party was then ushered into the debating chamber for First Minister’s Questions and lively discussion covering the usual range of topics from education to health.

Then it was back to another of the committee rooms for an appetising sandwich lunch following which John took the group on a guided tour of the building.

So it was back into the nowdeserted debating chamber where John explained the technicalities of conducting day- to- day parliamentary business based on his own lengthy spell as deputy presiding officer.

Afterwards, Ayr Rotary social convenor, Ian Alexander, thanked John for his time and courtesy. All agreed this was a thoroughly enjoyable, interesting and educational visit and a great opportunity to see, close- up, how modern democracy works. It is to be recommended to anyone who has not yet been there.