Easterfield Primary holds their own First Minister’s Question Time

Banff & Buchan’s Westminster and Scottish Parliamentary representatives, Alex Salmond and Stewart Stevenson hosted p6 pupils from Easterfield Primary. After sitting in the chamber for First Minster Question Time they got to hold their own Paxman style interview with both Alex Salmond and Stewart Stevenson.

Commenting on the visit, Mr. Stevenson said:

“I am delighted to have had the chance to welcome Easterfield Primary to the Parliament and to meet with local pupils from my constituency. It is an excellent idea for students to visit the Scottish Parliament, meet with MSPs and witness at first hand how the Scottish political system works.

“I took the opportunity to explain some of the procedures of Parliament to the group and describe the average working day of an MSP and indeed a Minister before answering some questions.The experience was not entirely different from taking questions in the Chamber, certainly a good reflection on these students.

First Minister Alex Salmond said:

“I was highly impressed at how well informed, articulate and assertive this group of young people showed themselves to be. From knowing the role of the presiding officer to the number of MSP’s that work in the parliament I would not be surprised if they had a better understanding of the workings of the parliament than many adults.

“Despite an early start to make the trip to Edinburgh they showed a real enthusiasm for their surroundings.They had prepared some tough questions for me and unlike those from Wendy Alexander they proved to be entirely relevant to my role as First Minster.
A credit to their teachers and to their school. I wouldn’t be surprised if amongst this group of bright, confident students we had a future First Minister or two.”

After meeting the two political representatives of Banff & Buchan the Easterfield pupils were taking for a tour of the parliament building before heading off to Dynamic Earth were they ended their school trip to the capital city.