MSP-sponsored events, exhibitions and photocalls are a way for organisations to inform the work of MSPs. They take place when Parliament is sitting. They can’t take place during recess.
Events, Exhibitions and photocalls are allocated on a 12-month rolling basis.
NOTE: The next availability for Member-sponsored events is early Spring 2025. Member-sponsored exhibitions are next available from November 2025 onwards.
Organisations are allowed two events within a 12 month period. Organisations are limited to one exhibition in a 2-year period.
If you’d like to request an MSP-sponsored event, exhibition or photocall, use the forms on this page. Please send your request form as far in advance as possible.
For any other queries, please contact eventsandexhibitions@parliament.scot.
Events are aimed at raising awareness of relevant issues with MSPs. They can take place in various locations in the building, based on the nature and size of the event. We can provide some audio-visual equipment free of charge, subject to availability. Read more information about the building’s accessibility.
If you’d like to request an MSP-sponsored event, please download and fill out the Microsoft Word document and send it to eventsandexhibitions@parliament.scot.
Exhibitions for MSPs must:
The content of an exhibition should be agreed with your sponsoring MSP.
Exhibitions take place in two passholder areas of the building: the Garden Lobby and Members' Lobby. Exhibitions must fit in the available display space, which includes gallery walling (4.9 metres long and 1.97 metres high) with lighting. A picture hanging system and a TV monitor can also be made available. Read more information about the building’s accessibility.
Exhibitions are usually set up on a Tuesday morning and taken down on a Thursday afternoon. Organisations will be considered for one exhibition in a two-year period.
If you’d like to request an MSP-sponsored exhibition, please download and fill out the Microsoft Word document and send it to eventsandexhibitions@parliament.scot.
Exhibition request form (77KB Word Document)
For more detailed information on hosting an exhibition, read our guidance.
Photocalls are opportunities to photograph MSPs for a specific organisation or cause. Photocalls usually take place in the Garden Lobby, either on
Photocalls are an opportunity for all MSPs to participate. You can also arrange a photocall with the party leaders only.
If you’d like to request a photocall, please use the form listed under the 'Events' tab.
All events, exhibitions and photocalls should align with the aims of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB). That is, they should support the work of MSPs.
All events, exhibitions and photocalls must:
They must also:
Venues are available at no cost. This is so events, exhibitions and photocalls can support organisations and individuals to engage with the work of the Parliament and its MSPs.
For events, there are costs for using:
Some organisations use a commercial sponsor to assist with the costs of their event.
Fundraising events are not allowed at the Scottish Parliament.
The wearing of face coverings is no longer a law in most indoor public settings. But, the Scottish Government continues to recommend them where there's a higher transmission risk. For example, in crowded, busy, congested spaces and areas with poor ventilation.
Thus, we encourage everyone at Holyrood to wear a face covering when moving around indoors. We encourage this in busy and congested areas especially.
This is a personal decision, but it's recommended for the safety of the whole parliamentary community and beyond. Signage in the building reflects the government guidance.
Changes in the law around face coverings have also affected physical distancing rules. Physical distancing is no longer a law, but rather, encouraged. Please maintain at least 1 metre physical distancing where possible.
It's especially important to consider physical distancing:
We recognise and support the distance aware scheme.