Holyrood bosses have apologised after “local heroes” taking part in celebrations to mark the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament were “stuck in a back room” and not allowed to leave.
One snubbed community champion said they were led to believe that they would be part of the event marking the first quarter century of devolution but ended up being left to “watch it on a TV that didn’t work.“
All 129 parliamentarians had been asked to nominate a local hero who had made an extraordinary contribution to their constituency to come to last Saturday’s event with the King.
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While, the family and friends of MSPs, assorted dignitaries and representatives of civic Scotland were allowed to watch proceedings from the public gallery, the community champions were instead asked to wait downstairs, with of the parliament’s meeting room turned into dedicated viewing rooms.
Dr Lynne Tammi-Connelly told The Herald: "It was a complete waste of time. We just felt that we were there as a token gesture.
“And it was this big thing about, oh, look, you know, we recognise the local heroes, and aren't we wonderful, and we're the people's parliament but when push came to shove we were stuck in a back room, we weren't allowed to leave.”
Dr Tammi-Connelly, who works with gypsy and traveller communities in Scotland, and was the local hero of Maggie Chapman, said she was told they had to wait until Charles and Camilla left.
“So we just had to stay there. We were there from about 10.30am and it was just on half one before we could actually get out the building."
Saturday’s celebration was a major event. As well as speeches from Charles, John Swinney, Russell Findlay, Anas Sarwar and Alex Cole-Hamilton, there was music from a Gaelic choir, a youth orchestra, a guitarist and a piper.
Despite that, there were empty seats in the public gallery.
Sam Paton said: "It just wasn't what we expected. Walking down to Parliament from the train station, we were coming into contact with other local heroes, and you just thought this is going to be amazing.
"And then when you walk into the main hall, it was just totally different."
Ms Paton — a campaigner against the Flamingo Land development at Loch Lomond who was the local hero of Green MSP Ross Greer — added: "I paid out my own pocket to be here. I have travelled all the way from Loch Lomond to be here. I have paid out for outfits and stuff. I am self-employed. I've had to rearrange my clients and people, not just me, people made an effort to be there.
"And staff are telling me that I should be grateful to be in this building, to sit on a really uncomfortable chair and watch it on a TV that doesn't work. "No offence, but I could be at home, on my couch, with a cup of tea and chocolate biscuit watching it.
"We were all led to believe we're going to be in the chamber, and actually part of the celebration, not in a side room."
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A spokesperson for the Scottish Greens said they would be following up the complaints: "The Scottish Parliament should review the experience of local heroes to ensure that people who do so much to serve their communities have the experience that they deserve.
"There were empty seats in the Chamber and the gallery, which could have been used and would have offered a truly memorable experience.
"We are sorry to see the feedback. The event was a celebration of our parliament and our democracy, and it should have been an opportunity to welcome local heroes to their parliament and recognise them for their contributions to our communities. Our MSPs will ensure to follow up on the issues that have been raised."
A Scottish Parliament spokesperson said all local heroes were told in advance they would be watching the ceremonial element from dedicated viewing rooms.
They also said there was support for travel and accommodation and many local heroes took up that offer.
“While the vast majority of those attending on Saturday had a very enjoyable day, we’re aware that a small number of our local heroes did not get the experience we hoped.
“We apologised on the day for the technical difficulties some experienced which was beyond our control.
“We are always striving to ensure people receive a great experience when visiting the Parliament. We take feedback seriously and will review the issues raised to learn any lessons we can for the future.”
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