Press Release
26th June 2002
Parliament Welcomes James
Watt’s Trans-Atlantic Students
MSP for Greenock & Inverclyde,
Duncan McNeil, played host to a group of American students
visiting the Scottish Parliament last week.
The students, who are currently studying a range of political systems at James Watt College, were accompanied by their lecturer and former Member of the European Parliament, Hugh McMahon.
After meeting Mr McNeil to discuss a range of issues about the Parliament and the way in which it works, the students visited the Debating Chamber, then took their seats in the Public Gallery to watch First Minister’s Question Time.
Speaking to the Telegraph, Mr McNeil said:
"It is always a pleasure to welcome visitors to the Parliament – whether from Fancy Farm or Florida. It is always helpful for those studying political institutions to see first hand how they work, rather than relying solely on books.
"I admit, though, that I am surprised at how much interest the Parliament has generated oversees and was greatly impressed by how much the students already knew about the Scottish political system. It is a testament to James Watt College that it has become the place where students of such a high calibre choose to study."
Lecturer, Hugh McMahon, said:
"The American students found the workings of the Scottish Parliament extremely interesting and informative.
"They were fortunate to attend Question time which is unique to the Scottish and Westminster Parliaments. They now have a good grasp of the Scottish Political system and the main issues in Inverclyde.
"The help and assistance of Duncan McNeil in arranging this visit is greatly appreciated by James Watt College."
The students are attending a Summer School
course on European Institutions at James Watt College. As part of
their course, they also visited the European Parliament.
ENDS
Notes
The photograph which accompanies this story is now in the photo gallery.
It shows, left to right, David Halbert (Massachusetts), Sabrina Alfoso (California), Michelle Walker (Michigan), Duncan McNeil MSP, Amber Kelly (Florida), Karen Walker (Michigan), Hugh McMahon (Lecturer, James Watt College).
Back to Current Press Releases
[ HOME ] [ News ] [ Articles ] [ Calendar ] [ Contacts ] [ Links ] [ E-Mail ]
[ Copyright ] [ UK Online ] [ Scottish Parliament ]