Scottish First Minister's Questions

A little after 11am last Thursday, I rushed my way down to the Scottish Parliament to witness before my own eyes Scotland's MSP's congregating inside the chamber for First Minister's Questions. 

Unlike previously, this was the first time I watched the event live at Holyrood. I knew what to expect in some ways as I watch the event on the television or online. Yet as I was about to find out, watching First Minister's Questions right there and right then brings a totally different experience.

To secure a seat in the public gallery, a telephone call needs to be made to the Parliament's visitor services line first thing at 9am on the previous Thursday. It might be difficult in securing a ticket if you just turn up before the event as all the tickets may have been allocated in the previous week, but there might be a spare one or two if visitors don't turn up or can't make it. However, this is not guaranteed so it is better to book a ticket the week before at the right time.

First Minister's Question starts at 12noon on a Thursday so it's best to make your way to the public gallery half an hour before the event starts. But before you do that, ensure that you obtain a copy of the details of business taking place in the Parliament for that day. You will normally be able to get a copy from the reception desk. When it comes to selecting a seat, I would strongly recommend that you take the seat closest to the chamber. Beware, however, as some of the front row seats may be reserved so seek advice from the staff on duty who will be more than happy to help. 

Before the big event, another event commences at 11:40am called General Questions. This is where MSP's ask questions to members of the Scottish Government cabinet on a range of matters. During this time, many of the representatives will make their way into the chamber. What fascinated me (and to be fair didn't surprise me either) is the fact that this exaggerated idea that some form of "tribalism" that some claim exists within the Parliament wasn't really present. MSP's from different parties do talk to each other. You have to remember that most serve alongside each other in committees (where a lot of the work at Holyrood takes place). Although the MSP's position themselves in the areas where their own political parties are present during proceedings inside the chamber, in other instances, they generally don't avoid one another. 

When midday strikes, it's the big event of the week at Holyrood. Each of the opposition leaders quiz the First Minister for much of the half hour session with the backbench MSP's also able to put questions forward too. What I loved especially about the experience last Thursday was the fact that you had, literally, all of the MSP's within your sights. You can examine their body language and their reactions to things said in the chamber. For me, the viewing experience had been dramatically enhanced. 

I can assure you that last Thursday was pretty eventful and I would predict that every First Minister's Questions will be similar in the build up to the referendum on Scottish independence this September. If you know who the politicians are, then that will engage you further with the proceedings. If not, then don't despair. You will pick something up from your experience and hopefully increase your appreciation for the centre of Scottish public life at Holyrood.