In May 2025, MCC students participated in a study trip to Edinburgh, Scotland, organized by the Center for Constitutional Politics. The primary focus of the trip was to explore current constitutional and political issues, with highlights including a visit to the Scottish Parliament to attend the First Minister’s Questions session.
The program began at the University of Edinburgh, where participants attended a series of lectures by distinguished academics such as Dr. Asanga Welikala, Dr. Hashan Kumarasingham, Dr. Peter Reid, Dr. Alan Convery, and Professor Stephen Tierney. The lectures offered insight into the history of the British constitution, as well as its contemporary political and theoretical dimensions, especially in the context of Brexit and Scottish independence. Topics included the development of British constitutionalism, the process of devolution, the history of Scottish separatism, and the role of the House of Lords Constitution Committee.
The group also had the opportunity to explore key sites in Edinburgh, including Saint Giles’ Cathedral and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
The following day began with a visit to the Hungarian Consulate, where Consul General Dr. László Kálmán shared his experiences of working in Scotland, the situation of the Hungarian community there, and Hungarian–Scottish relations. Later, students visited the Scottish Parliament, where they attended the First Minister’s Questions, observing members of parliament question First Minister John Swinney on pressing political issues. The group also had the chance to engage directly with Murdo Fraser MSP, discussing the workings of the Scottish legislative process, the country’s political and economic situation, and the upcoming 2026 elections.
Overall, the study trip provided participants with a comprehensive overview of Scotland’s most important constitutional and political challenges and offered valuable firsthand insights into the functioning of Scottish political life.
