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First Minister's Questions

A 45-minute question and answer session with the First Minister.

About First Minister's Questions (FMQs)

FMQs take place on Thursdays from 12.00 to 12.45pm when the Parliament is in session. During this time, the First Minister answers questions from opposition party leaders as well as other MSPs. It is the most popular session of Parliament to watch, and demand for tickets is extremely high.

When attending FMQs, please remain seated for the full 45-minute session. If you need to leave, we ask that you do so quietly.

You'll also need to follow the visitor code of conduct.

Booking FMQs tickets

Tickets for individuals up to a maximum of 5 can be booked 7 days in advance of the session you wish to attend.

Tickets are booked by telephone on 0131 348 5200 or freephone 0800 092 7600. If you would like to contact us using British Sign Language (BSL), contactSCOTLAND-BSL gives you access to an online video relay interpreting service.

The telephone line will only be open on Thursdays from 9am to 10am for FMQs tickets.

There is high demand for these tickets and we advise you to call as close to 9am as possible and not to hang up – calls are placed in a queue.

If you live in Scotland, you can also request tickets through one of your MSPs.

You can also watch FMQs on Scottish Parliament TV (with live BSL interpreting provided) or via our Facebook page.

Group bookings

To book a group for FMQs, please get in touch directly.

Email: groupvisits@parliament.scot

Freephone: 0800 092 7600

More information

Plan your visit

For opening times, parking information and more, go to our plan your visit page.

Don't forget to stop at our shop and café during your visit!

Accessibility

  • Hearing loops are installed in the Debating Chamber. This connects to hearing aids which have a 'T-Switch'
  • If you need a British Sign Language interpreter or other support, please contact us with as much notice as possible
  • Wheelchairs are available and the public gallery of the Debating Chamber has wheelchair spaces

More about accessibility

Visitor guidelines

If you are visiting the Parliament, there is a code of behaviour that you need to follow.

For all visits, please:

  • remember that this is a working Parliamentary building
  • obey all instructions from Parliamentary officials
  • keep all bags with you or place them in the baggage store or public lockers
  • do not smoke in the building
  • do not eat or drink, except in the restaurants
  • return your “Visitor” lanyard and pass, when leaving
  • collect any items retained by Security as you go out
  • note that the display of banners, flags or political slogans, including on clothing and accessories, is forbidden

For visits to see parliamentary business, please:

  • enter, sit in and leave the galleries quietly
  • switch any mobile devices to silent
  • do not cause a distraction or disrupt parliamentary business – for example, telephone calls must not be taken or made
  • do not applaud or shout out during meetings
  • do not take photos, videos or make any form of recording during parliamentary business
  • obtain prior permission to paint, sketch or draw
  • remain seated throughout the whole 45-minute session, if your ticket is for First Minister’s Question Time
  • only use social media discreetly and in complete silence

Location

Edinburgh, EH99 1SP

Days and times

Thursday:

12pm to 12.45pm

Price

Free

Other parliamentary business

Tuesday to Thursday

(Find out more)

Besides FMQs, there are many other debates that take place in the Debating Chamber throughout the week. You are welcome to attend any of them.

Tuesday to Thursday

(Find out more)

Outside of the Debating Chamber, there are other, smaller meetings of MSPs that take place in committee meeting rooms. These are also open to the public.