Year 11 students have visited the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh to interview the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Mr Kenny MacAskill MSP.

The students are all members of the editorial team who write and design Exclaimer magazine, a free online national publication launched by Media Teacher, Mrs Davies as a platform for aspiring journalists and graphic designers to showcase their talents.

This is not the first time that Exclaimer has published an interview with a political figure; in 2012, aspiring journalist Anna, who also took the lead in contacting Mr MacAskill on behalf of the team, interviewed Helen Goodman MP at her Bishop Auckland office.

In this instance, not only did Mr MacAskill agree to a question and answer session with the team, but he also arranged for a guided tour of the parliament buildings. This included an informative talk on the concept behind the contemporary structure and the challenges faced by the architectural team in creating a design that would sit comfortably alongside the traditional adjoining buildings. The result is a beautiful landmark, and one that is particularly poignant as we look forward to the redevelopment of King James.

The tour also included a visit to the debating chamber, where students had the opportunity to sit in one of the seats reserved for members, before meeting with Mr MacAskill for an hour-long interview.

During the session he talked openly about his inspiration as a teenager, his school and university life, his successful career as a lawyer and his progression into politics, as well as sharing his hopes for the future of Scotland. Students were particularly interested in Mr MacAskill's firm belief that young people should have the right to vote at 16 years old, especially in relation to the independence referendum. Our students agreed that they would very much like to be able to play their full part as citizens by exercising their democratic rights on election day.

After the interview, our students commended Mr MacAskill on his approachability, candid answers to their questions and the obvious passion he holds for his role. Mr Shearer, our Head of Sixth Form who accompanied the group to Edinburgh said: "This opportunity has given our students experience of political journalism and a valuable insight into parliamentary life. It will have a lasting impact on our students and we are extremely grateful to Mr MacAskill for accommodating the group and for his offer of a return visit."