Scottish Parliament Building
Scottish Parliament Building things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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I used to work here for a Member of the Scottish Parliament, so I got to know the building well and during my time here I even joined an organised tour, more than once. Firstly, the building is quite unusual and it really divides opinion. Personally, I feel that the inside is more aesthetically pleasing and interesting than the outside. Absolutely every space has been well thought through, and certain architectural concepts and ideas are apparent and consistent in every area of the building. It is truly beautiful and one of a kind - there really is no other building in the world like it, and that's true whether you personally love it or not. I believe that the building merges almost seamlessly with the nature surrounding it, and there's so much light within the building that it has a real sense of openness and space. The tours are great and the most impressive part is of course the debating chamber itself. The tours are also free (and available in a wide range of different languages) which is fantastic, because I believe everybody should be able to see and learn about this important building, even tourists from other countries. Please also note that the disabled access is excellent, so if you're hearing impaired, partially sighted or a wheelchair user, you will still be able to enjoy the tour and take a full part in it. Accessibility is a key principle of the Scottish Parliament itself, in every way. I'm proud of this building, and proud that we welcome people from everywhere to see it. I would definitely recommend to put a tour of the Scottish Parliament on your itinerary if you're visiting Edinburgh.
Derek CouperDerek Couper
20
:) surprisingly welcoming, clean, informative and interesting to visit. Free to enter too. Need to pass through security similar to an airport screening to enter. Security staff friendly and helpful with directions and ideas of places to visit. Lockers are available, once you clear security, near the public washrooms, where you can store your backpacks. Lockers require a pound coin or token from the reception desk if you don't have a pound coin to secure the lockers. Coin or token is returned when you finish use of the locker. It is possible to access the viewing gallery to watch parliament business. At the time we made a viewing their was a presentation in the native language of Scotland from the man who made the first complete translation of the bible to native Scottish in 600 years along with other parliament business. Staff and members or parliament were approachable and friendly if you met them in the lobby area. You could also schedule appointments to meet with them at the Parliament building.
Hello HouseHello House
00
To visit The Scottish Parliament Building no entry fee. Very interesting building it took five years to build and the costs went over budget ten time the original costings. Just a few years ago the building celebrated its 20th anniversary, the people originally hated the design (now have come to like it and some understandably love it). They of course have high security for entry so you will be required to remove all metal objects. The debate chamber is a beautiful collaboration space which has no beams to hold up the roof so there is no obstructions for members in discussion. There is currently have a photograph exhibition displayed inside, and you can see the parliamentary mace on display (You read on its end “Integrity, Justice, Wisdom, Compassion”). Bees 🐝 hives live in the ground whom create wax for sealing laws (and they sell the honey for a sweet price). There is also orchards in the grounds.
Richard T.WhybrowRichard T.Whybrow
10
During our bus tour this building was noted for its original design (love it or hate it) and cost, and I was intrigued to go inside. But the main view is on the outside, the inside is fairly plain with high ceilings but mainly just concrete. There are some art displays but nothing too interesting. I would have liked to see parliament in session, which you can do, but not only were they on break but the parliament area was closed for some work, thus there wasn't really much to see (it is free though so it only costs you time). There are also guided tours (also free) but they are only 3 times per day and you need to book will in advance. They do have a decent gift shop, just make sure that parliament is running otherwise it's not really worth a visit on the inside, plus book a tour well in advance. The outside I found to be really nice.
Michel CondoroussisMichel Condoroussis
00
As far as Parliament buildings go, Scotland’s has to be at the top of the list of the most stunning. Open to the public all-year-round save certain dates, including visitors to Edinburgh, you can explore a public exhibition hall and soak up the history and inspiration behind this iconic building. I thoroughly recommend booking yourself onto a free guided tour through the official website, where you’re taken into off-limits areas and eventually into the main chamber itself. Our guide was absolutely brilliant; incredibly knowledgable, personable and inviting, and allowed photos in certain areas. She really made it for the hour-ish we spent with her. The tours are very popular - so check as soon as you’ve sorted your trip how far in advance you can book, and keep an eye out for when the next block becomes available!
Aaron HallAaron Hall
00
We wandered across this place and seen a big sign "Free Entry!" So we figured why not eh!? Welp, soon as you step thru the front doors your greeted by somthing akin to Airport security. My wallet flagged up in the machine as it had a multi tool in it. Fair enough, kudos to them for being solid security. The new security guard was nice and the cleaner too, but the rest was all very BUSINESS. Once we got inside however, we didn't really know what to do, there wasn't much to see either, so we waddled around a little bit, used the loo's and then passed thru security again so I could get my stuff back and left. I'm sure it would be a great time if your into politics, but there is not much here for the normal person. Stunning views from outside tho, and the building itself looks modern and cool.
The Wizard & the WitchThe Wizard & the Witch
00
Nearby Attractions Of Scottish Parliament Building
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Royal Mile
Waverley Market
OMNi Centre
St James Quarter
Edinburgh Playhouse
Calton Hill
Meadowbank Shopping Park
Surgeons' Hall Museums
ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile

Palace of Holyroodhouse
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Royal Mile
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Waverley Market
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OMNi Centre
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Nearby Restaurants Of Scottish Parliament Building
COSMO All You Can Eat World Buffet Restaurant | Edinburgh
Brewhemia
The World's End
Bella Italia - Edinburgh Northbridge
Burgers and Beers Grillhouse
The Guildford Arms
The Edinburgh Larder - Blackfriars Street
Whiski Bar & Restaurant
Society Bar & Kitchen
Thai Express Kitchen

COSMO All You Can Eat World Buffet Restaurant | Edinburgh
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(3.2K)
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Brewhemia
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The World's End
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Bella Italia - Edinburgh Northbridge
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Basic Info
Address
Horse Wynd, Edinburgh EH99 1SP, United Kingdom
Map
Phone
+44 131 348 5000
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Website
parliament.scot
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Reviews
Overview
4.3
(430 reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
accessibility
Description
The Scottish Parliament Building is the home of the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood, within the UNESCO World Heritage Site in central Edinburgh. Construction of the building commenced in June 1999 and the Members of the Scottish Parliament held their first debate in the new building on 7 September 2004.
attractions: Palace of Holyroodhouse, Royal Mile, Waverley Market, OMNi Centre, St James Quarter, Edinburgh Playhouse, Calton Hill, Meadowbank Shopping Park, Surgeons' Hall Museums, ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile, restaurants: COSMO All You Can Eat World Buffet Restaurant | Edinburgh, Brewhemia, The World's End, Bella Italia - Edinburgh Northbridge, Burgers and Beers Grillhouse, The Guildford Arms, The Edinburgh Larder - Blackfriars Street, Whiski Bar & Restaurant, Society Bar & Kitchen, Thai Express Kitchen

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