The Scottish Parliament is an open, participative and progressive parliament. Other parliaments, governments and organisations around the world often want to meet and learn from us and discuss issues of shared interest. As a young organisation, we want to learn from the experience and expertise of others across the range of our policy, procedural and corporate responsibilities. This assists the Parliament and its Members in fulfilling their role. Visits also increase awareness of the Scottish Parliament in the outside world and give Scotland greater global influence.
The International Strategy is agreed by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body and its implementation is the responsibility of the International Relations Office (IRO). This office supports the Presiding Officer and other MSPs when they represent the Scottish Parliament both in the Parliament and abroad. It also supports the Scotland Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (of which all MSPs are members) and the Scottish MSPs on the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly (BIPA).
For more information, check out the International Activity and representing the Scottish Parliament at home and abroad pages.
Arranging a Visit:
The Scottish Parliament warmly welcomes parliamentarians and others from across the world. To arrange programmes which meet the needs of the visiting delegation, the IRO asks that requests are made well in advance (no less than four weeks’ notice and avoiding parliamentary recesses). The IRO only deals with official parliamentary visits, so for a visit or tour of the Scottish Parliament please contact Visitor Services. For further information on arranging a visit, please see:
Frequently Asked Questions
Visit Information Form
Contacting IRO:
Fergus Cochrane +44 (0) 131 348 5270 - fergus.cochrane@parliament.scot
Head of International Relations
Fergus is responsible for the overall management of the IRO in supporting the implementation and evaluation of the Parliament’s International Strategy; developing relationships between the Parliament and other legislatures; and providing the Presiding Officer & Deputy Presiding Officers with advice relating to their roles as the Parliament’s representatives on international engagement activities.
Steven Bell +44 (0) 131 348 6926 - steven.bell@parliament.scot
International Relations Officer (Currently on transfer to the Presiding Officer's office)
Steven deals with all matters relating to inward and outward parliamentary delegations including the drafting briefings and providing advice to the Presiding Officer, Deputy Presiding Officers and Members. He establishes visit objectives, plans and implements visit programmes as well as provides support to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Scotland Branch.
Vacant
International Relations Officer
Michael Stone +44 (0) 131 348 5328 - michael.stone@parliament.scot
Assistant International Relations Officer (Currently on transfer to the Committee office)
Michael assists in the development and implementation of inward and outward engagements with a particular focus on providing front-line support to visiting delegations. Michael also provides full logistical support and guidance on travel and accommodation needs for inward and outward delegations and makes arrangements for outward visit programmes and the Presiding Officer’s outward visits.
Email: IRO@parliament.scot
The International Relations Office
Room Q2.03
The Scottish Parliament
EH99 1SP
Tapadh leibh (thank you!)