Public Servant Lifestyle

Hooray for Holyrood! Sir Sean Connery views the Scottish Parliament first hand.

Actor Sir Sean Connery and his wife Micheline received a special site tour of the new Scottish Parliament building – due to open next year - from the Presiding Officer himself, Mr. George Reid.

Their two-hour visit began at the bottom of Holyrood Road, in the new Parliament Building Information Centre, before taking in views of the dramatic glazed public foyer area, the new Debating Chamber, Committee Rooms and a 5th floor Member of the Scottish Parliament’s office. Sir Sean commented on the progress made on-site, saying there had been "enormous change" and that he was "marvellously impressed".

He added that he was taken by: "The surprise elements, the roofs, the detail of light, the ceilings for example have got this hieroglyphics look and when you look closer you get a different light, you get a different angle, its like a different colour. I also like the fact that they have not gone crazy with lots and lots of different woods and stayed with the basic two. The joinery work is fantastic." He said.

Commenting on the setting of the Parliament building itself, he said: "It’s seriously, marvellously impressive. And the height which I’d felt was going to be kind of minimised because of the Crags and the surrounding places and everything, it’s got its own position and sense, and the place out there with the upturned boats and everything. A lot of marvellous imaginative stuff in it and it’s increased, what was it, going to be 12,000 square metres and what is it 33,000 now?

"It’s great, it’s great for Scotland, it’s great that we have this and I can’t wait for it to be finished. I’m not the only one, I know a lot of people are feeling the same way."

Opening

Asked about the official opening of the Holyrood building in 2004 he said: "Oh yes, I will certainly be here. It’s next year and we will be here without question, whatever I am doing, once we know what the date is I will make my plans around it."

Speaking after the visit Presiding Officer George Reid said: "Sean was very enthusiastic about the design of the building and the quality of materials used throughout. I was heartened that he recognised the Holyrood building as 'great for Scotland' and was clearly enthused by the architecture. I very much look forward to welcoming him back for the opening."

Holyrood is now home to 500 officials of the Scottish Parliament Corporate Body, plus a further 500 staff employed by MSPs. You can watch the proceedings in the house by tuning into to Holyrood TV, by following this link.

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