Scottish Parliament Building

The Scottish Parliament Building is a parliament building in Edinburgh designed with interlocking shapes, curved roofs, and exterior panels of granite and oak. The interior holds a large chamber, committee rooms, and public areas with glass fronts facing the surrounding hills.

Construction finished in 2004, marking the return of a devolved parliament after the Union of 1707. Planning began in the late 1990s following a referendum that approved re-establishment.

The name comes from Holyrood, meaning holy cross, and the building uses leaf shapes found in the nearby park. Members sit in a semicircle so they face each other during debates.

The building opens six days each week, and visitors can watch parliamentary sessions or join guided tours. Entry is free, but arriving early is advised during busy periods.

Spanish architect Enric Miralles designed the building to reflect the Scottish landscape by drawing on natural forms from the terrain. The windows tilt inward, allowing light to enter rooms in unusual ways.

Location: City of Edinburgh

Architects: Enric Miralles, Benedetta Tagliabue, RMJM

Official opening: October 9, 2004

Architectural style: postmodern architecture

Website: https://parliament.scot/visitandlearn/9983.aspx

GPS coordinates: 55.95222,-3.17472

Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:40