The Scottish parliament will this week be suspended ahead of the May 1 election.

The first session will draw to a close on Thursday with a series of tributes to the presiding officer, Sir David Steel.

Sir David, also a member of the House of Lords, had signalled upon entering the Scottish parliament that he would serve only one term.

As that term draws to a close, the parliament is receiving mixed reviews in Scotland.

The row over the cost of the Holyrood building project - which could now cost £340 million - continues to dog MSPs.

The death of Donald Dewar and the subsequent resignation of Henry McLeish have also led to instability.

But its defenders insist the parliament has begun to deliver tailor-made solutions to Scottish problems.

They point to the abolition of student loans and the introduction of free long term care for the elderly as a measure of the parliament's success.

MSPs have also shown a determination to legislate in the face of vocal opposition.

The decision to ban fox-hunting was met with a welter of criticism but was forced through in spite of the outcry.

More recently the parliament has moved to challenge Westminster - debating issues such as war with Iraq.

This has led to increased pressure on first minister Jack McConnell.

His critics say he should be lobbying London for more powers.

For some MSPs themselves the parliament has failed to live up to expectations.

SNP leader Alex Salmond came under fire after he relinquished the leadership before quitting the parliament to return to Westminster.

Fellow MSP Duncan Hamilton - considered to be an SNP high flier - also announced his intention to quit Holyrood.

The party's Dorothy Grace Elder was forced out after becoming an increasing source of unease for the leadership.

She was later joined by Margo McDonald - the outspoken MSP who failed to win a prime place on the party list.

Tory MSP Nick Johnston was replaced by Murdo Fraser after he found himself becoming sceptical about the merits of a political career in Edinburgh.