Scottish Parliament is one of the more unique buildings in Edinburgh, and arguably the world, due to its unusual and fascinating postmodern design. Home to the governing body of Scotland, the building is designed to achieve a powerful and poetic union between the landscape of Scotland, its people and their culture. Architects around the world have heralded its design as some of the best that British architecture has to offer.

On your visit, you can enjoy a tour that takes you through the unique design elements of this complex and learn about how the Scottish Parliament conducts day-to-day business. A tour of the building will also offer valuable insight into the institution's art collection, which is displayed in various places throughout the complex. Depending on when you visit, you may even be able to see the parliament in action.

Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh - one of the highlights of 11 Iconic Buildings and Places in Edinburgh (Read all about Edinburgh here)

Scottish Parliament highlights

The highlights of the Scottish Parliament mostly lie within the construction of the building itself. It was designed to represent the connection between Scots and their land. To that end, much of the building's design is symbolic, such as the leaf-shaped motifs in the lobby. Whether you're looking up at the ceiling or looking down at the lobby from a bird's-eye view, the ceiling appears as a bed of leaves made of glass.

Various features across the complex are impressive, from the trigger panels on the windows to the concrete branch-like structures covering much of the building. One of the more notable aspects is the debating chamber that, unlike its Westminster counterpart, is designed with a hemicycle layout. The laminated oak beams of the chamber's ceiling and the odd shapes depicted in the glass pane windows add an atmosphere of relentless dedication.

Scottish Parliament history

This postmodern structure is relatively new in relation to the history of the Scottish Parliament. The old building was the Parliament House on the Royal Mile, though the union between Scotland and England in 1707 put an end to Scottish self-governance for 292 years. In 1997, the Scottish public voted to re-establish a Scottish Parliament to oversee domestic matters, and that decision led to the construction of the modern Scottish Parliament building.

In July of 1998, architect Enric Miralles was chosen for the project, and construction began the following June in Holyrood at the former site of the Scottish and Newcastle brewery. By the summer of 2004, the building was already in use by members of the Scottish Parliament and opened officially to the public in October.

Good to know when visiting the Scottish Parliament

Scottish Parliament is open all week long except for Sunday, but its open days have different offerings. In most weeks, the MSPs typically work in the debating chamber Tuesday through Thursday, and visitors are sometimes permitted to sit in on the debates. If you're looking for a guided tour, it's best to visit Monday, Friday or Saturday. If Parliament is in recess, you can take a tour any day, but it's still best to call ahead.

Entrance to the Scottish Parliament is free and so are the tours. You'll find 2 different kinds of tours on offer most days, including a 10-minute talk and an hour-long comprehensive tour. You'll find events and visiting exhibitions here throughout the year as well, so check their calendar to see what's on during your visit. Always try booking in advance if you can.

Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh

Location: Horse Wynd / Canongate, Holyrood, Edinburgh, City Of Edinburgh, EH99 1SP, UK

Open: Friday–Saturday and Monday from 10 am to 5 pm, Tuesday–Wednesday and Thursday from 9 am to 6.30 pm (closed on Sunday)

Phone: +44 (0)1313 485000

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

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