An uninvited visitor was captured on camera at a Scottish Parliament committee meeting – a mouse.
MSPs appeared oblivious as it ran along the edge of the room during the Education Committee meeting while Labour’s Johann Lamont was speaking about school testing.
It was highlighted by the Scottish Liberal Democrats on Twitter, who posted the footage with the caption: “When you’re trying to focus on the Education Committee…”
When you’re trying to focus on the Education Committee… @SP_EduSkills @JohannLamont #Holyroodmouse pic.twitter.com/vaAwvB61wI
— Scottish Lib Dems (@scotlibdems) January 9, 2019
Ms Lamont later joked it was fleeing the lengthy questions posed.
Meanwhile, Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur called for improved parliamentary pest control.
He said: “It’s time for Holyrood bosses to clamp down on rogue rodents.
“Mickey and co need to find a new home.”
When even random rodents seek to flee the scene, it is time to ask shorter questions…🤨 https://t.co/UhtBiBkRiW
— Johann Lamont MSP (@JohannLamont) January 9, 2019
Holyrood bosses rejected calls for a Parliament cat in 2013 despite concerns over mice in the building.
A Scottish Parliament spokesman said: “Like most city centre premises we have pest control measures in place to keep mice at bay.
“We have traps positioned around the building, but mainly in the basement plant rooms where it is warm and more likely to attract mice.
“In practice, though, there are occasional sightings around the building.”
