US delegation to visit Scottish Parliament

A GROUP of American politicians will travel to the Scottish Parliament for a three-day conference as part of moves to improve links between Holyrood and the USA.

The conference will be the first time the National Conference of State Legislatures has met outside the United States.

The announcement was made today during Scotland Week which celebrates ties between the two countries.

It follows an agreement to bring a collection of Andy Warhol’s prints and paintings to Holyrood for a free exhibition later

this year.

The conference is being held between July 10-12, with speakers including senate presidents, majority and minority leaders from

legislatures from the 50 American states.

Holyrood’s Presiding Officer, Tricia Marwick, said the event will help showcase Scotland and Parliament to an international audience.

She said: “The conference will provide a platform for politicians on both sides of the Atlantic to discuss a range of issues which affect the lives of both Scots and Americans alike.”

“Conference president Terie Norelli, Speaker of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, said: “Our conference is always an important time for us to gather as legislative leaders and reflect.

“To be able to do this in the inspiring landscape of Scotland and the dramatic building of Holyrood will be a fantastic opportunity.”