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The delegation includes Finlay Carson MSP, Convener of the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee, and Collette Stevenson MSP, a member of the Criminal Justice Committee and the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee.

They will join the annual Tartan Day Parade, celebrating its 25th Anniversary, alongside this year’s Grand Marshall, Gail Porter. The parade highlights the impact of Scottish heritage and culture across the globe and sees pipers, bands and traditional dancers make their way down Sixth Avenue in Manhattan for a day of celebration.

In addition to representing the Parliament at the parade, the delegation will meet those responsible for the UN Women’s work with parliamentarians. Finlay Carson and Collette Stevenson will also meet with the New York Mayor’s Office – Finlay to discuss issues around animal welfare and Collette to look at criminal justice issues.

The delegation then moves on to the Canadian Parliament in Ottawa, for a series of engagements with the Speakers, Members and parliamentary authorities of both the House of Commons and the Senate. Finally, the delegation will spend time at the National Assembly of Québec, meeting with the President of the Assembly, Members and officials.

A full programme of meetings with counterparts in Ottawa and Québec will allow the delegation to learn from counterparts and to discuss the common challenges facing our legislatures, the issues of equal representation, and the management of parliamentary business.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone MSP, said:

“As Tartan Week celebrates its 25th Anniversary, we’re very much looking forward to the Parliament’s first visit since 2019.

“Our engagements in North America provide an opportunity to enhance the long-established cultural and historical ties between the people of Scotland and those of the US and Canada.

“Meeting with counterparts in New York, the Canadian Parliament and Québec gives us an opportunity to learn from each other, share experiences and discuss the common challenges our legislatures face. This learning is essential to help the Scottish Parliament continue to develop how it operates.

“Tartan Week provides an opportunity for the Scottish Parliament to join Scots from across the world in celebrating our shared heritage.”