US legislators head to Holyrood for conference

A GROUP of American politicians will travel to the Scottish Parliament to hold a three-day conference.

It will be the first time the National Conference of State Legislatures meets outside the States.

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

It follows an agreement at the weekend to bring a collection of Andy Warhol’s prints and paintings to Holyrood for a free exhibition later this year.

The conference will take place over 10-12 July and bring together house speakers, senate presidents, majority and minority leaders from legislatures from the 50 states.

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

“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,” she said.

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.”