Scottish Parliament opens for business today

The Scottish Parliament's debating Chamber at Holyrood, which will be the new home to the country's 129 MSPs, has opened for business today.

The building, which was completed three years late to the tune of £431 million, boasts a series of architectural flourishes, including a ceiling reminiscent of medieval hammerbeam roofs, which in turn were based on early boat-building techniques. The ceiling is made from specially laminated oak beams reinforced by steel which span 30 metres across the chamber, held in place by 111 "uniquely engineered steel nodes".

Glass walls behind the Presiding Officer's desk contain sycamore veneer strips to maximise light while oak dividing walls in the chamber and "uniquely shaped chairs" provide seating for 225 members of the public in the gallery.

The MSPs will take their seats at desks constructed to a design by Enric Miralles which include a retractable lectern and electronic voting equipment.

Presiding Officer, George Reid said: “It has taken a great effort to reach this point, but our focus since the start of this year has been to ensure that migration was completed in time to begin business at the start of September. I am delighted that we have made this deadline.

“In the run-up to the Royal Opening on October 9, work will continue on completing the landscaping and progress there is going well.”

The new building offers six committee rooms with a total capacity for 275 members of the public and media. Facilities for the public (in addition to gallery space in the Chamber and committee rooms) comprises an exhibition, crèche, restaurant and shop.

The public space compares with The House of Commons' 157 seats in its gallery area and 70 in the House of Lords. The Northern Ireland assembly has 44 and the Welsh Assembly 35.

The first day of business at Holyrood began at 9.30am with Time for Reflection presented by the Rev Charles Robertson, Minister of Canongate Kirk, Edinburgh. Doors opened to the public at 9am.

(gmcg/mb)