The Scottish Parliament Building
- Telephone 0131 348 5000
- Opening times Mon–Sat, 10am–5pm (last entry 4:30pm). Open earlier and later when Parliament is sitting. Check website for any closure times.
- Seasonal times Building is closed to the public over the Christmas period and February recess.
- Admission Free.
- Website www.scottish.parliament.uk
In the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, the new Scottish Parliament building opened in 2004 and has since welcomed over five million visitors. Usually open from Monday to Saturday, visitors can join a free guided tour or see parliament in action, depending on which day you visit (booking essential). Discover the parliament through an exhibition, and enjoy the cafe and shop. A free crèche is also available, Monday to Friday.
Designed by Spanish architect Enric Miralles, who died before its completion in 2004, the Scottish Parliament building occupies an architecturally diverse corner of Edinburgh at the foot of the Royal Mile, with Dynamic Earth, the Queen’s Gallery and the Palace of Holyrood House all standing side by side.
The unique complex features leaf-shaped buildings, a grass-roofed branch merging into adjacent parkland and gabion walls formed from the stones of previous buildings. There are many repeated motifs within the building, including shapes based on Raeburn's Skating Minister. There are also crow-stepped gables and upturned boat skylights in the Garden Lobby.
