Corporate end for Scottish Parliament's first home

Thursday, 17 February 2005 12:00 AM

The Scottish Parliament's first Edinburgh home is to be turned into a conference and marketing centre.

Since the Scottish Parliament building in Holyrood was finally finished in the Autumn of 2004 the Assembly Hall on the Mound has stood empty.

It is only used for two weeks a year for the Church of Scotland's general assembly.

Now, the University of Edinburgh will be marketing the location as the perfect place for conferences, AGMs, product launches as well as music and drama events.

The 19th century building can hold up to 1,000 people in its multi-tiered and galleried interior.

A spokesperson for the Church of Scotland said they were delighted that the hall would be getting more use.

She said: "Our Assembly Hall has always been a significant building in the public life of Scotland. We are delighted to be able to make it available as an important venue for key events of many different kinds, and so to share the Church's fine resource with the whole community."

And Chris Barnes, from the university's accommodation services said: "Beautifully appointed and in a central location, this addition to our portfolio presents an ideal opportunity to build on our growing reputation as a major conference and event operator in Edinburgh."

Business leaders in Edinburgh have welcomed the news, saying that Edinburgh needs to maintain its conference infrastructure.

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