Scottish Parliament Building
Scotland's controversial parliament building at Holyrood
The new parliament building at Holyrood is the most recent controversy in Scotland. It started out with a £40m budget which was exceeded over 10 times, the building took far longer to complete and the main architect died halfway through.
Some Scots think that the building at the foot of the Royal Mile is ugly and its design doesn't fit in with the rest of Edinburgh's fine architecture. However, despite arduous criticism of the Holyrood project, the new Scottish Parliament building has won many awards in the past year and, well, it does grow on you.
As a visitor I can say that the best view of the Scottish Parliament building is from Salisbury Crags because of the way it completes the panorama.
Holyrood has lots of different and interesting design features and in many ways, other buildings such as Holyroodhouse, Nelson Monument and Queensberry House, that have been there long before it was completed, appear to give it visual support it.
Visiting the Scottish Parliament
The Scottish Parliament building is in distinguished company. In the same area there's the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen's Gallery and it's only half a mile from Edinburgh City Centre which means you can do them all in one visit.
You can take the guided tour or simply wander around on your own and use available leaflets for information. The difference is that the guided tour takes you to parts of the parliament building which are not otherwise accessible.
You should expect strict security upon entering the building. If you are carrying luggage with you, you can leave them at luggage locks near the entrance.
One of the highlights of your visit is seeing the main chamber where parliamentarian debating takes place. For a limited time you can also see the Arbroath Declaration of Independence which is on display in the Main Hall of the Scottish Parliament building.
When to visit Holyrood
If you want to take pictures of the building then it would be best to go in the morning. The Main Hall also appears much brighter at that time of day.
More Scottish Parliament information:
Pictures of the Scottish Parliament building Pictures of the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood.
Attraction details - Parliament at Holyrood Scottish Parliament building tourist information including opening times, contact details, etc.
Scottish Parliament on the web Links to other web pages related to the Parliament.
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All Edinburgh Royal Mile articles:
Edinburgh Old Town An introduction to historic Edinburgh.
Highlights of the Royal Mile Overview of the most important visitor attractions on the Royal Mile.
Other tourist attractions on the Royal Mile Brief description of other places and things of interest on the Royal Mile.
Wynds and closes of the Royal Mile Description of the most picturesque narrow streets off the Royal Mile.
Royal Mile during Edinburgh Festival Information on the Royal Mile during August's Fringe Festival.
Royal Mile shops and pubs Some particularly attractive shops and pubs on Edinburgh's historic street.
St Giles Cathedral Picture and information on the High Kirk of Edinburgh.
Mary Kings Close The allegedly haunted street beneath the Royal Mile.
Scottish Parliament Pictures and information on the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood.
Pictures of the Royal Mile Pictures taken along the Royal Mile.
Attraction Details - Royal Mile, Edinburgh Old Town Practical information on the Old Town and the Royal Mile including the Hub and Tourist Information Centre.
Royal Mile and Old Town on the web Web links and information on the Old Town and its attractions.
Also see:
Holyrood Palace Tourist information and pictures of the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Ghost walks in the Old Town Tourist information on day and evening ghost tours in Edinburgh's Old Town
Edinburgh attractions and sightseeing All of the best attractions in Edinburgh plus pictures and sightseeing tips.