Accessibility Requirements
Holyrood has been designed with disability access issues fully in mind and we have a number of services to enable you to visit. If you have any specific access requirements in relation to your visit, please contact the Media Relations Office.
Smoking Policy
The Scottish Parliament is a no smoking premises. It is an offence to smoke or knowingly to permit smoking in these premises. Please note: smoking e-cigarettes is also prohibited in the building. If you observe someone smoking here, a complaint may be made to the Facilities Management Helpdesk on 0131 348 5100.
Accident Reporting
If you witness or are involved in an accident whilst on the Parliamentary complex please contact the Media Relations Office.
FIRE EVACUATION PROCEDURES
The Scottish Parliament uses a system of voice messages for transmitting Fire Alert/Evacuation messages over the public address system. Should you require assistance in the case of an emergency evacuation please advise us in advance. We will then prepare a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) with you. The plan will ensure that you and the appropriate staff are aware of what assistance you will require in the case of an emergency evacuation.
Fire protocol
In the event of a fire incident occupants will be directed where to evacuate by the Voice Alarm system. In most cases this will be to the Garden Lobby unless this is the area involved, in which case occupants will be directed into the Garden Area and Queensberry House Yard.
A separate protocol exists for Zone 5 (see below for zone information) where building occupants, including members of the public, evacuate to external areas. Pass holders may subsequently re-enter the building via alternative entrances if permitted to do so and wait in the Garden Lobby.
The Fire Evacuation Zones are listed below:
- Zone 1 MSP Building
- Zone 2 Garden Lobby, Queensberry House and the ground floors of Towers 3 & 4 including SPICe)
- Zone 3 Canongate Tower (Canongate Tower and Bagpipes, excluding SPICe)
- Zone 4 Upper Floors of Towers 3 & 4
- Zone 5 Public Foyer, Towers 1 & 2 and media Tower
- Zone 6 Upper basement (excluding car park)
- Zone 7 Debating Chamber
- Zone 8 Car Park
- Zone 9 Lower Basement
Building users should note that the Voice Alarm messages will be broadcast as follows:
To all Zones Except Zones 2 & 5
"Attention Please! Attention Please! A fire has been reported in this area. Please evacuate the area immediately and report to the Garden Lobby to await further instructions."
New message for Zone 2 only
"Attention Please! Attention Please! A fire has been reported in this area. Please evacuate immediately outside to the Members Garden or Queensberry House Yard and await further instructions."
To Zone 5 only
"Attention Please! Attention Please! Fire has been reported in the building. Please evacuate immediately and report to your designated external Assembly Point."
To adjacent areas of the evacuation zone
"May I have your attention please! A fire has been reported in the building. While this is being investigated, please stay where you are and await further instructions"
In the event of the need for a full evacuation, all zones will receive the following:
"Attention Please! Attention Please! Fire has been reported in the building. Please evacuate immediately and report to your designated external Assembly Point."
Building users should note that our external Assembly Points are as follows:
Assembly Point:
1 – Reid’s Close
For MSP Building, Car Park, Garden Foyer, Restaurant and Dining areas, Catering and Cleaning staff
2 – Outside Media Tower
For: Queensberry House, Canongate Tower, Bagpipes building and Media Tower occupants
3 – Horsewynd
For: Debating Chamber, Broadcasting, Service Yard Plant Room, Towers 1,2,3,4, Upper & Lower Basement areas, Security Control room, Public Foyer (Crèche - discreet area adjacent to Assembly Point 3, but within the Service Yard)
An "All Clear" message will be broadcast from the Security Control Room when the emergency has been resolved directing occupants to return to normal working activities.
Access and Control Officers have the important task of checking the evacuated area to ensure that it is clear of occupants and that no one has encountered any difficulties. Please behave in an appropriate manner and follow their directions.
This material can be made available in a range of other formats and languages on request by calling the Media Relations Office.