Aileen Campbell, SNP MSP for South of Scotland, welcomed a group of visitors from Lesmahagow to the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 3rd December.

The group were able to enjoy a tour of the Holyrood building before watching First Minister’s Questions from the Public Gallery of the Parliament Chamber. Aileen was among the MSPs selected to put a question to First Minister Alex Salmond, raising the issue of the possibility of 16- and 17-year-olds voting in a referendum on Scotland’s constitutional future. The issue had first been raised with Aileen by 16-year-old Carluke resident Euan Purchase, and Aileen has pursued it since with the Scottish Government.

Commenting, Aileen Campbell MSP said: "I was delighted to welcome the Lesmahagow group to the Scottish Parliament, and give them the chance to see First Minister Alex Salmond in action at FMQs.

"The Scottish Parliament building has had over two million visitors since it opened, showing how accessible it is to the people of Scotland and from around the world.

"I’m always delighted to have visitors to the Parliament, and tours can be arranged by contacting my office 0131 348 6707 or the Parliament’s Visitor Services direct on 0131 348 5200."

One member of the group, Ken MacVicar, who is a supply teacher in South Lanarkshire said:

"Everyone who came along enjoyed the tour of the building, and getting to see First Minister’s Questions was a real treat. We’re very grateful to Aileen for taking the time to meet with us and have some interesting discussions about politics in Scotland and out country’s future."

"It was great to see the building and to learn more about the design features. The visit really brought politics to life for us and I'd recommend a trip to Holyrood to anyone.

"As a teacher, I was delighted to see so many school groups watching democracy in action"