Brodies LLP attend SPBE Inward Programme at the Scottish Parliament

27th January 2011

Ten solicitors from Brodies LLP attended an Inward Programme hosted at the Scottish Parliament by the Scottish Parliament & Business Exchange.  The focus of the day was to help Brodies gain a greater understanding of the Scottish Parliament and more specifically to learn about the work of the Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change Committee. 

The programme started with a welcome from Trish Godman MSP, in her role as a Deputy Presiding Officer for the Parliament.  She spoke about who important it is for Parliament to engage with businesses, and to find the right ways for MSPs and parliament to learn more about the business world – and how important it was to cooperate during these difficult economic times. 

Trish Godman’s welcome was followed by the main morning session.  This was led by Steve Farrell, the Clerk to the Transport, Climate Change and Infrastructure Committee.  Mr Farrell explained the background and history of the Parliament, as well as the role of committees.  He then went on to speak more specifically about the Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change Committee’s work.  This included a discussion of the committee’s role in the Climate Change Bill, the removal of Road Tolls, and the ongoing discussions about a High-Speed Rail link to Scotland. 

The delegates then visited the Scottish Parliament Chamber in order to observe First Minister’s Questions.

The afternoon session involved two presentations from Members of the Scottish Parliament.  Firstly Rob Gibson MSP spoke about the role and work of the Transport, Climate Change and Infrastructure Committee, as well as a discussion on how committees have evolved.  He also spoke about how the rise of renewable energy may lead to benefits both for Scotland but also more rural communities.  He was followed by Charlie Gordon MSP who spoke firsly about his role as a constituency MSP, and the challenges of supporting constituents along with Parliamentary work and a family life.  He then went on to speak about how politics is evolving and how it is important that politicians should represent people from all walks of life. 

The programme was then brought to a close by Arthur McIvor, Chief Executive of the SPBE.

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