As we get to grips with this new phase in Scottish politics – a first majority government and the likelihood that we will see an independence referendum within the next parliamentary term – there are many, many questions regarding Scotland’s place as a component part of these islands, within the European Union and indeed within the world.

Whatever your politics, Nationalist or Unionist, internationalist or isolationist, or anything in between, it is an exciting time for political discussion, for consideration of the big constitutional questions.

Over the next couple of weeks, we’re going to be considering some of these questions, particularly with regard to Scotland’s place in the EU, either post-independence or with a beefed-up devolution settlement within the UK.

To that end, Kate and I are visiting the European Parliament as it travels to Strasbourg this week to talk with some of Scotland’s representatives there about the role that Scotland can and will play within the EU among other things.  We’re looking for questions and angles etc, so if you have anything you’d like us to ask them, drop us a comment and we’ll see if we can incorporate it into some of the interviews.

Kate adds:

I’ve been to Brussels several times on EU business but never made it to Strasbourg.  And sad to say, I’m very excited.  (Malc is too but he’s just better at being cool about it all).

We should say that we are going courtesy of the EU who are keen to engage the political blogosphere in getting to know how the European Parliament works and importantly, follow the business that goes on there.  Navigating the website is lesson number one – it’s mind-boggling!

What issues are we hoping to find out more about?

The proposed new constitution for the European Parliament – Malc’s terrain.  I’ll just look interested and murmur oui ou non at all the appropriate points.

And – don’t laugh – but I’m keen to find out more about the recently announced changes to the Common Agricultural Policy and how they will impact on Scottish farmers.  A threat or a benefit? And when everyone is concerned about food security, will changes to farm subsidies hinder or help?

We’re both also keen to work out if the Charter of Fundamental Rights might feature in all its glory in the proposed UK Bill of Rights.  And not leaving children’s issues far behind, I’ll be exploring some new Europe wide initatives on violence and sexual exploitation of children.

Both of us are hoping to catch up with some old pals – Scotland is, after all, a village and we Scots are none more at hame than when we’re abroad.  We expect drink to be taken and nosh to be eaten and debate to be robust.

Getting to know our MEPs better and what floats their boat – and getting their take on the recent Scottish election result – as well as their priorities for the remainder of their term in Europe is our top priority.

We hope to have lots of exciting/snooze inducing (delete as appropriate) policy-heavy blogs to whet your whistle when we get back.  And just as soon as we’ve worked out how to navigate the website – say in 2020 – we’ll be doing more of this malarkey.

By the time you read this, we’ll be half way there.  They might be paying our way but they expect us to work for our bed and board – the red eye beckons.

So, until we return, au revoir pour maintenant.  Here’s to our Bonne Voyage!