A HOLYROOD committee of MSPs is to investigate whether the Executive is making the most of Scotland's role as the venue for this summer's G8 summit.

The inquiry by Holyrood's European and External Affairs Committee will study what opportunities the Executive has identified for Scotland to "influence and benefit from" both the Gleneagles summit in July and Britain's presidency of the European Union.

SNP MSP John Swinney, convener of the committee, said: "This is a rare opportunity for a distinctly Scottish contribution to these major international events."

The MSPs will investigate what scope there may be for the Executive to contribute to UK thinking, and what preparation has been carried out by the Executive.

Mr Swinney said: "2005 will see the UK holding the presidencies of both the EU and the G8, with the G8 summit being held in Scotland.

"The UK will also hold the presidency of the EU for the first time since devolution."

He added: "With this in mind, the committee is keen for the Executive to play a full role and contribute to UK government thinking on issues like international aid and climate change."

The inquiry will report in April or May, and a deadline of March 18 has been set for submitting evidence to the committee.