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The key numbers as the Scottish Parliament turns 25

The first Holyrood election took place on May 6, 1999.

Craig Paton
Monday 06 May 2024 00:01 BST
Millions of visitors have attended the Scottish Parliament building since it opened in 2004 (Andy Buchanan/PA)
Millions of visitors have attended the Scottish Parliament building since it opened in 2004 (Andy Buchanan/PA) (PA Archive)

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As the Scottish Parliament turns 25, here are some of the key numbers linked to a quarter of a century of devolution:

356: The number of Bills which have passed since the Parliament opened in 1999 – 290 were Scottish Government Bills, 32 submitted by members, 22 private Bills, 10 from committees and two emergency Bills. Meanwhile, 53 pieces of legislation were either withdrawn or fell.

5.5 million: The total visitors who have walked through the door of the Scottish Parliament since the purpose-built building was opened at Holyrood in 2004.

170,000: The number of school pupils that have visited the building, from some 6,000 schools.

Six: The number of first ministers Scotland has had.

837: The number of sessions of First Minister’s Questions held since they were introduced in early 2000.

191,758: The total amount of written questions submitted by MSPs and answered by ministers.

4,709: The number of committee reports published by the 152 committees formed.

2,019: The amount of petitions submitted to the Parliament and considered by MSPs.

570,700: The number of cups of tea or coffee served in the Parliament cafe.

123,360: Pieces of Parliament shortbread which have been served across the estate.

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