Visits to the Parliament
School visits run from Monday to Friday.
Tuesday to Thursday visits include a chance to watch debates happening in the Chamber. Thursday visits include First Minister’s Questions (FMQs). Your local MSPs may also be able to meet your school group for a question-and-answer session.
We do not offer travel expenses.
Standard visit on Tuesday or Wednesday
We have limited availability in September and October. Please consider a digital session or visit to your school instead.
You can check which slots we have available on our Twitter feed:
The morning slot includes:
- an education session
- a tour of the building
- a stop to see the Debating Chamber
The afternoon slot includes:
- an education session
- the opportunity to sit in the Debating Chamber and observe parliamentary business taking place
Please note, the content of questions or debates during chamber business may be distressing and not suitable for primary level pupils. We will advise when business is announced if the content or topic is unsuitable for your group.
FMQs visit on Thursday
These are all fully booked for the rest of 2023. Please choose a standard visit instead.
A visit on a Thursday includes:
- an education session
- watching the full 45min session on FMQs in the Debating Chamber
FMQs sessions are recommended for National 5 and Higher Modern Studies, and other certificated politics-based courses. Requests from these groups will be prioritised. Other year groups may still apply.
Standard visit on a Monday or Friday
There’s no parliamentary business taking place on these days, but a visit will still include:
- an education session
- tour of the building
- a stop to see the Debating Chamber
You may also book a regular visitor tour on these days. These are designed for the general public, not for schools.