Testing time for Holyrood debates

Members of the public and civil servants test out the chamber

The debating chamber of the new Scottish Parliament building has been given a dummy run.

More than 100 civil servants stood in for MSPs in a dress rehearsal for the first sitting when parliament reconvenes on 7 September.

The stand-ins acted out old debates to ensure lights, cameras and the electronic voting system are all working and ready for action.

The new parliament building will be opened by the Queen on 9 October.

With less than two months to go, other parts of the controversial complex are still being built.

A spokeswoman said: "We have got a few weeks to test the systems thoroughly and it looks like the day is a great success and the feedback from the public will be invaluable."

It is a lot of money. It would have been nicer to see the cost managed slightly better Frankie McLean Visitor to Holyrood building

About 450 volunteers from pressure and community groups had a sneak preview of the building, as they watched the dress rehearsal.

Frankie McLean, from the campaign body Deaf Action, said the site could provide better services.

"I think there's been a lot of positive steps made, but we are not there yet," he declared.

He welcomed interpreters during key events like Question Time in the £431m complex but said he would like to see them used all the time.

"It is a lot of money. It would have been nicer to see the cost managed slightly better. But let's hope it's worth it," he added.

Another spectator, Nicole Carter, was more enthusiastic.

A journalist tries out the seating area for the public

"I think the building is really impressive and it has surprised me," she said.

The would-be politicians played out two SNP debates on top-up fees and fisheries and acted out a Question Time clash taken from the records.

The report into the spiralling cost of the parliament headquarters is due to be published early next month.

The exercise to put the parliament building through its paces will continue on Friday.

Committee rooms will be put to the test, and the civil servants will stage another debate.

The topic: is Abba or the Bay City Rollers the greatest pop group ever?