In a city full of historic traditional buildings, constructing something new that’s equally impressive is quite a challenge. The architecture of the new Scottish Parliament has been a talking point since the designs were first seen and you’ll either love it or hate it. We’d recommend taking one of the free guided tours to get a better look at the building from the inside, and whilst you’re there you’ll learn a bit about what the parliament actually does. The tours operate on non-sitting days and you can book in advance. If you can’t get on a tour, access to the debating chamber is also free. The parliament building is at the bottom of the Royal Mile next to Holyrood House. This is an extract from our free Edinburgh City Guide.
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- Scottish Parliament
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- Main Entrance
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- Parliament fence
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- The Main Hall
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- The roof
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- The towers
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON EDINBURGH’S SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
There is public access to the Parliament souvenir shop, the cafe, the exhibition in the main hall and the public gallery in the debating chamber at all times when the parliament is open to the public. You will have to go through full security to enter the building and if the parliament is busy, this can take a little while. Take a little time to walk around the outside of the building too. The parliament building looks different from almost every angle. When inside, take a moment to look for saltire crosses (as used in the Scottish flag). You’ll find them etched into the ceilings, walls, the doors almost everywhere you look!
ADDRESS & OPENING TIMES
The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, EH99 1SP
Tel: +44 (0) 131 348 5000
The Parliament building is open to the public as follows:
When Parliament is sitting (usually Tuesday – Thursday) from 9am to 6.30pm.
When Paliament is in recess (Mondays, Fridays & Parliamentary holidays) from 10am to 5.30pm in the summer and from 10am to 4pm in the winter.
Also on Saturdays from 11am to 5.30pm.
The Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour stops at the parliament building.
SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT LINKS
Scottish Parliament website (visiting info)
Wikipedia
Hotels near the Scottish Parliament - Check out best prices from Hotels.com
More hotels in Edinburgh – Up to 30% off from Expedia.co.uk
Books on the Scottish Parliament - Amazon.co.uk
Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour – Stops at the Scottish Parliament
Stuck On Scotland
