03/04/2009
The Scottish Parliament today announced its delegation taking part in Scotland Week. Presiding Officer Alex Fergusson MSP will lead a cross-party delegation of four MSPs to join in the activities in North America.
The four delegates joining the Presiding Officer are Tavish Scott MSP, Sarah Boyack MSP, Murdo Fraser MSP and Tricia Marwick MSP. The delegates will visit New York, North Carolina and Québec during a week focussed on educational, economic and cultural ties.
Mr Fergusson said: “We are a young, outward-looking Parliament, keen to share our experiences and learn from other Parliaments. In this, our 10th anniversary year, our cross-party delegation will meet with key representatives from the political world to discuss issues such as the economy and climate change.
"The programme will also provide us with the opportunity to promote the work of the Parliament and Scotland’s Year of Homecoming to new audiences in North America.”
Highlights of the programme include:
Friday 3 April
The Presiding Officer and delegation will visit the British Memorial Garden in New York where pipe bands MacTalla Mớr and Schocha will play. The Presiding Officer will deliver a short speech to the audience.
Saturday 4 April
The Presiding Officer and delegation will attend the ‘Kirkin o’ the Tartan’ where the Presiding Officer will deliver a reading. They will also take part in the 10th Annual Tartan Day Parade, New York .
Sunday 5 April
The Presiding Officer will deliver a reading at Brick Presbyterian Church service.
Monday 6 April
The Presiding Officer and delegation will meet with members of the Société des relations internationales de Québec. They will later meet with the President of the National Assembly, Monsieur Yvon Vallieres.
Tuesday 7 April
The Presiding Officer will meet with the Jean LeClerk, President of the Québec 400th Anniversary Society, to discuss the city’s celebrations of 2008. The Presiding Officer and delegation will be present at the moving of the motion on Le Jour du Tartan in the National Assembly.
Wednesday 8 April
The Presiding Officer and delegates will travel to North Carolina where they will meet the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the North Carolina General Assembly and the Governor of North Carolina. The Presiding Officer will also address the Assembly.
Thursday 9 April
The Presiding Officer will visit Duke University in North Carolina . He will record a “Living History” video, discussing his life and politics in Scotland. He will also discuss devolution with students at the university.
Saturday 11 April
The Presiding Officer will start the Homecoming Scotland Run, along with the Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP, at Central Park, New York.