The new Scottish parliament building was finally open for use yesterday - but not without some difficulties.

Firstly, officials couldn't find the right key for the front doors. A spokesman said this was due to "a problem with familiarisation".

Red paint was later thrown across the entrance by protesters calling for a public inquiry into how haemophiliacs in Scotland contracted hepatitis C from infected NHS blood products.

And then the last debate of the opening day had to be cut short after MSPs' microphones failed.

Trish Godman, the deputy presiding officer, told MSPs that the day's session would have to close early because of what she called "teething troubles".

The parliament will be officially opened by the Queen on October 11, three years behind schedule.