Scottish Parliament Building
The Scottish Parliament Building at Holyrood is the working home of Scotland's parliament and one of the most striking modern buildings in Edinburgh. Entry is free, you can watch debates from the public gallery, and free guided tours run on days when parliament is not sitting.
Photos
Scott Carrick
A modern landmark at the foot of the Royal Mile
Designed by the Barcelona architect Enric Miralles, the building opened in autumn 2004. Its debating chamber is the part that tends to stop first-time visitors, and the complex sits directly across from the Palace of Holyroodhouse, so old and new Scotland face each other at the bottom of the Canongate. The design is unusual enough that many people come for the architecture alone, and the public areas are open to visitors on most days the building is open.
Watching parliament at work
On business days you need a free ticket for the public gallery of the debating chamber, and tickets are also offered for First Minister's Questions and committee meetings. On non-business days, including recess and Saturdays, the gallery is open to look around. Free guided tours run on those non-business days and need to be booked.
Planning your visit
Allow an hour or so, longer if you join a tour or catch a debate. There is a café and a gift shop inside, and the building sometimes hosts free exhibitions. Combine it with Holyroodhouse next door, Dynamic Earth a few minutes away, or a climb onto Calton Hill for views back over the roofline.
Highlights
- Designed by Enric Miralles, opened in 2004
- Free entry for most of the year
- Free tickets to watch debates and First Minister's Questions
- Free guided tours on non-business days
- Opposite the Palace of Holyroodhouse
Good to know
- Free guided tours run on non-business days and must be booked.
- On sitting days you need a free ticket for the debating chamber gallery.
- There is a café and a gift shop on site.
Frequently asked questions
Nearby
Sources: parliament.scot · undiscoveredscotland.co.uk