Date

Event

Country

Request / Action / State of Play / Comments

Duration (Days)

03.06.03

Her Majesty The Queen

UK

Her Majesty The Queen Addressed the Scottish Parliament to mark the second session.  MSPs, their guests, invited VIP guests (including the diplomatic corps and representatives from across civic Scotland) and public attended the Address.  The Presiding Officer and the First Minister also spoke at this event.  In addition to the speeches the programme also included the Edinburgh Children's Choir sang a 20-minute programme of music in the Chamber, a piper from Lothian and Borders Police Pipe Band played as The Queen arrived, the Inverness Gaelic Choir sang as The Queen crossed the Quadrangle.  Following the Address the Presiding Officer hosted a reception for MSPs, their guests and invited guests in the Rainy Hall.  Later that evening The Queen hosted a reception at the Palace of Holyroodhouse for all MSPs and their guests.

1/2 day

05.06.03

John Smith Fellows

Various

British Council organised visit

1/2 day

10 and 11.06.03

Professor McLeay

New Zealand

Parliamentary expert from Victorian University, Wellington, is in UK to participate in 3 day seminar organised by the Constitution Unit. She has expressed interest in Scottish Parliament and would like to meet staff, observe Committee meetings etc.

1 day

12.06.03

Australian Political Exchange Group

Australia

Programme to introduce young Australian politicians and officials to current policy on range of British issues and to allow them to build relations with counterparts here

1 day

17.06.03

Dutch Ambassador

Netherlands

Approach from Art in Partnership for Tour of Holyrood by Dutch Ambassador and delegation, who wish to meet people involved in project

1 day

18.06.03

HE Dr Alexander Christiani

Austria

Visit by HE Dr Alexander Christiani, Austrian Ambassador.  Courtesy call on the Presiding Officer followed by a tour of visitor centre

1 day

18.06.03

DFID Global School Partnerships Programme

Various

Staff from overseas British Council offices participating in British Council programme funded by DFID promoting linking between schools in UK and those in Africa, Asia, S America and Caribbean.  BC staff to develop personal and professional awareness of Scottish political context

1 day

19.06.03

President Martini of Tuscany

Italy

President Martini will visit the Scottish Parliament as part of a 3-day visit to Scotland as guest of the Scottish Executive.  The Presiding Officer will host a lunch for the President.  

1 day 

19.06.03

HE Gerard Errera

France

HE Gerard Errera, French Ambassador to the United Kingdom to meet Members of European Committee, tours of VC and HVC, lunch with cross section of MSPs and a courtesy call with the Presiding Officer.  He will be accompanied by Michel Roche, French Consul General

1 day 

19.06.03

Bavarian State Chancellery

Germany

Visit by participants on Administration Leadership Course, Bavarian State Chancellery.  Possible meeting with Members of Public Petitions Cttee. 

1 day 

23.06.03

Indonesian study visit

Indonesia

Chevening Awards visit by up to 15 Indonesian parliamentarians, NGO representatives and journalists

1 day

23.06.03

Ontario Legislature Interns

Canada

FCO-organised programme enabling interns to gain understanding of British parliamentary institutions.  They are in Scotland to look at challenges of devolution, coalition government and electoral reform.

1 day

24.06.03

MPs from Veneto

Italy

To discuss devolution, possible meeting with Members of European Committee

1 day

25.06.03

The Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh

Vietnam

One of the world's leading Buddhist teachers visiting Scotland for the first time, currently in exile in France.  Lunch with MSPs and other invited guests.

1/2 day

25.06.03

Donald Lamont

Venezuela

United Kingdom's new Ambassador to Venezuela. Met External Liaison Unit to discuss the role of the Unit and the workings of the Scottish Parliament. Visit was part of FCO-organised programme in Scotland.

1/2 day

26.06.03

John Smith Fellows

Various

Visit by John Smith Fellows to look at devolution and governance in Scotland as part of visit to UK, organised by British Council 

1 day