Marwick eyes parly changes

HOLYROOD'S new presiding officer has signalled a shake-up of the way the Scottish Parliament operates.

In a letter to MSPs, Tricia Marwick said the time was right to look at how time was organised both in the debating chamber and in committees.

She indicated she would like a change in the current arrangements, where MSPs meet in the chamber on Wednesday afternoons and Thursdays.

She also proposed more frequent question sessions in the chamber and "more focused and objective-based remits" for inquiries by committees, and she asked MSPs for their ideas.

Ms Marwick said: "My ambition is for a parliament that is responsive to developments and meets the needs of the people of Scotland by ensuring topicality and relevance in its deliberations."