Here is a copy of the letter.

Dear,

The presiding officers have discussed issues that have arisen in the chamber this session and have decided to write to all party leaders seeking assistance in making parliamentary proceedings more transparent and improving the general impression of business in the chamber.

We would be grateful if you would seek your members' compliance with new guidelines which we believe will deliver those improvements. It is our intention to seek to enforce this new approach after a suitable period of familiarisation.

Members should always speak through the chair. We are concerned that there has been a tendency on the part of some members to engage in what can appear to be bilateral debate when the proper management of business is best served by addressing the chair at all times.

Members should refer to other members by their full name. It is not our intention to impose undue formality in the chamber, but it is our opinion that members should address each other in the third person and by full names instead of first names only.

In our view, this will make proceedings in the chamber more accessible to those in the gallery or watching television or online broadcasts.

Members should observe protocols in relation to debates. In particular, members should be aware that they should be present for opening and closing speeches in debates in which they are contributing and that they should remain in the chamber for at least the two speeches following their contribution.

We are grateful for your assistance with these matters. A copy of this letter goes to all business managers and we will ensure that all MSPs receive the new guidelines before business reconvenes next week.

Sincerely,