29/1/25
-Maureen McGonigle, Adult & Families Coordinator.
I initially contacted Emmanuelle Le Coz, the Community Participation Specialist at the Scottish Parliament to arrange a tour of the building. I knew that some of the women had specific questions they would like to ask and issues they wanted to raise so I asked Emmanuelle if it would be possible to actually speak to any MSP’s. She was initially doubtful because of the variability and intensity of their schedules, but after sending out some emails she was delighted that there was a positive response.
Ten of us arrived at the parliament building and she met us outside before going through the airport-style security. I set the beeper off, of course!
Amy gave us a tour of the building telling us about the history, the architecture and the design ethos behind the building and about transparency and functionality. There is a 20-pence piece embedded into the roof plaster – a quirk of the builder! Emmanuelle told us the shop in the Parliament actually ran at a loss and showcases work from disadvantaged groups.
The rooms themselves are very small, some having capacity for only 2-3 people at one time and all offices have glass windows so that you can see exactly what is going on. There is some artwork designed by women on the walls in the form of written words, expressing their emotions. At points around the parliament, there is public space open to anyone and space where meetings can take place and an Information desk where people can get advice if needed.
We saw the debating chamber during our tour as the initial session on Education had finished. Afterwards, we went to a larger room for refreshments and biscuits and Emmanuelle showed us how to get in touch with our local MSPs and the 7 regional representatives too. She also showed us a video about the difference between the parliament and the Scottish government and how the women could engage in consultations prior to issues becoming legislation. Simon, Ben Macpherson’s proxy joined us (as Ben was in a committee meeting) and answered our questions reassuring us that Ben was already working with the Council on the uncertainty around funding for the Voluntary sector.
We were also briefly joined by Alison Johnstone, (the Presiding Officer) who was extremely gracious and said that she knew we were here and really wanted to spend more time with us, but that she had had a family emergency that morning. She said she hoped we would return so that she could.
Miles Brigg, (a Conservative local representative) joined us too, answering a woman’s query about the school curriculum.
All in all, our experience was extremely positive and we found everyone extremely friendly and welcoming. I think this experience broke down a lot of the mistrust and apathy that the women might have had and were elated that they could access and influence democracy more easily than they had imagined.
I have given thanks to Emmanuelle for our visit and she has agreed to keep us in the loop for any further opportunities that might arise. There are currently consultations underway about provision for women leaving abusive relationships and some women were delighted that they could contribute their voices to improving the outcomes for women in this instance.
We are grateful for the support of Emmanuelle in hosting us and now with more knowledge of how to participate in the democratic process, and look forward to engaging in consultations and discussions of interest to the group.