Scotland Guide
Edinburgh
The Scottish Parliament
Address: Horse Wynd
Opening time: There's action in the debating chamber only on "business days" (Tues– Thurs 9am–7pm when Parliament is sitting), when tours are somewhat restricted. On "non-business days" (Mon & Fri when parliament is sitting, or Mon– Fri if parliament is in recess), the doors are open April– Oct 10am–6pm, Nov– March 10am–4pm, as well as Sat & Sun 10am–4pm throughout the year
Price: 45min tour £5
Telephone: 0131/348 5200
Website: www.scottish.parliament.uk
The new Scottish Parliament is by far the most controversial public building to be erected in Scotland since World War II. It houses the country's directly elected assembly, which was reintroduced in 1999 – Scotland had had no parliament of its own since 1707, when it joined the English assembly at Westminster as part of the Union of the two nations.
Made up of various linked elements rather than one single building, the complex was designed by Catalan architect Enric Miralles, whose death in 2000, halfway through the building process, caused ripples of uncertainty as to whether he had in fact set down his final draft. Initial estimates for the building's cost were tentatively put at £40 million; by the time the Queen cut the ribbon in October 2004, the final bill was over £400 million. A major public inquiry into the overspend blamed costing failures early in the project and criticized the spendthrift attitude of politicians and civil servants alike. Yet the building is still an impressive – if imperfect – testament to the ambition of Miralles and has won numerous awards.
There's free access into the entrance lobby of the Parliament, where you'll find a small exhibition providing some historical, political and architectural background. If parliament is in session, it's normally possible to watch proceedings in the debating chamber from the public gallery – again, access is free, though you have to get a pass from the front desk in the lobby. To see the rest of the interior properly you'll need to join one of the regular guided tours, well worth the fee for a more detailed appreciation of the quality and features of the building's design.