Visits to the Parliament
Schools are welcome to visit us any day throughout the week.
School visits run from Monday to Friday. Visits on Tuesday-Thursday include a chance to watch debates happening in the Chamber (this can be First Minister’s Questions on a Thursday).
We do not offer travel expenses.
We offer different themes for your visit to choose from:
Your Parliament
Suited to P5-7, curriculum level CfE Level 2, contributes to Children’s Rights learning through UNCRC Article 12 and Article 13
Length of session
- 90 minutes
Days available
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
Times available
- 10.00 – 11.30
- 11.00 – 12.30
Maximum numbers
- 40
Format
- 30 minute presentation
- 30 minute tour
- 30 minute Q&A with MSPs (subject to availability)
Get involved
Suited to S1-3, introductory level social subjects at college, curriculum level BGE Modern Studies, general citizenship, contributes to Children’s Rights learning through UNCRC Article 12 and Article 13
Length of session
- 90 minutes
Days available
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
Times available with Tour
- 10.00 – 11.30
- 11.00 – 12.30
Times available with Debating Chamber business
- 1.15 – 2.45
Maximum numbers:
- 40
Format
- 30 minute presentation
- 30 minute tour OR watching business in the Debating Chamber
- 30 minute Q&A with MSPs (subject to availability)
Content
- Purpose of the Scottish Parliament
- Devolution and devolved matters
- Elections
- The role of MSPs
- How to get involved
MSPs
- Constituency and Regional MSPs for the school / college / university campus based on the postcode provided
- This is subject to MSP availability and diaries can change at short notice
- An alternative activity can be offered if no MSPs are able to attend
The role of the First Minister
Suited to National 5 Modern Studies, curriculum level National 5
Length of session
- 90 minutes
Days available
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
Maximum numbers
- 40
Times available with Tour
- 10.00 – 11.30
- 11.00 – 12.30
Times available with Debating Chamber business
- 1.15 – 2.45
Format
- 30 minute presentation
- 30 minute tour OR watching business in the Debating Chamber
- 30 minute Q&A with MSPs (subject to availability)
Content
- Devolution and devolved matters
- The role of MSPs
- Role of the First Minister
- FMQs and scrutiny of the work of the Scottish Government
- The role of committees
MSPs
- Constituency and Regional MSPs for the school / college / university campus based on the postcode provided
- This is subject to MSP availability and diaries can change at short notice
- An alternative activity can be offered if no MSPs are able to attend
The role of the First Minister - with added FMQs experience
Suited to National 5 Modern Studies and over, curriculum level National 5 (not recommended for primary schools)
Length of session:
- 2 hours 15 minutes
Maximum numbers
- 40
Days available
- Thursday
Times available
- 11.00 – 13.15
Format
- 45 minute presentation
- 45 minutes to 1 hour in Debating Chamber for FMQs
- 30 minute Q&A with MSPs (subject to availability)
Content
- Devolution and devolved matters
- The role of MSPs
- Role of the First Minister
- FMQs and scrutiny of the work of the Scottish Government
- The relevance and importance of FMQs
- The role of committees
MSPs
- Constituency and Regional MSPs for the school / college / university campus based on the postcode provided
- This is subject to MSP availability and diaries can change at short notice
- An alternative activity can be offered if no MSPs are able to attend
Scrutiny and accountability: Chamber and committees
Suited to Higher Modern Studies or Politics, curriculum level Higher
Length of session
- 90 minutes
Maximum numbers
- 40
Days available
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
Times available with tour
- 10.00 – 11.30
- 11.00 – 12.30
Times available with Debating Chamber business
- 1.15 – 2.45
Format
- 30 minute presentation
- 30 minute tour OR watching business in the Debating Chamber
- 30 minute Q&A with MSPs (subject to availability)
Content
- Devolution and devolved matters
- The role of MSPs
- The role of the First Minister
- The role of committees
- Scottish Parliament scrutiny of the Scottish Government
- FMQs
- Committees
MSPs
- Constituency and Regional MSPs for the school / college / university campus based on the postcode provided
- This is subject to MSP availability and diaries can change at short notice
- An alternative activity can be offered if no MSPs are able to attend
Tour sessions for non-business days
Suited to curriculum level CfE Level 2 and above
Length of session
- 90 minutes
Days available
- Monday
- Friday
Maximum numbers
- 80 (Mondays) / 40 (Fridays)
Times available
- 11.00 – 12.15 (start and end time can be adjusted by request)
Format
- 45 minute presentation
- 45 minute tour
- Groups over 40 will be split. Half will have the tour followed by the presentation, and half the presentation followed by the tour
Content
- Presentation – as appropriate to level of group
- Tour – Full tour includes Garden Lobby, Debating Chamber and a Committee. Tour length and content may need to be adjusted for late arrival or route closures
- MSPs (not as standard) – as Mondays and Fridays are non-business days, MSPs cannot usually attend. MSPs will be advised of the school’s visit. If an MSP is available, the session and tour will be reduced to 30 minutes each to allow time for a Q&A with the MSP/s
How to use the calendar
The calendar provides an overview of available slots for a Parliament visit. Since it takes up to three days to process new booking requests, it does not contain live information and we cannot guarantee your requested time.
- Use the arrows at the top of the calendar to browse available dates. These will appear in green.
- Select the date you would like. Available timeslots will appear next to the calendar.
- Make a note of your preferred timeslot, and then head over to the booking form using the "Book now" button underneath the calendar. You'll need to manually add your preferred date in the booking form.
We're catching up on booking requests received over summer, so the calendar below might not show the latest information.
We’ve got a mix of available slots for the rest of the year. If you’re flexible with your time, day, or month, please list all the options that work for you on the form - it really helps us out!
Please note bookings for the term from January to March will open on Monday 27 October at 8am.
Purchase tickets from Citizen Ticket.
