Scottish Parliament Building

Fantastic experience. We did the tour inside this beautiful parliament, and we were stunned about the history and the design. It is totally worth visiting the Scottish Parliament while you visit Edinburgh

Stepping into the Scottish Parliament was both exciting and enlightening. The modern architecture of the building immediately caught my eye, with its bold and distinctive design that contrasts beautifully with Edinburgh’s historic charm. Everything inside felt open, bright, and thoughtfully arranged. I found it fascinating to learn more about Scotland’s political life and to explore the areas open to visitors. The emphasis on transparency and accessibility was impressive, and the whole experience left me with a deeper appreciation for Scotland’s democratic values.

It is surprisingly for an Indian to go so easily inside a parliament. It is almost impossible to do so in India. More than that they also allow free tours and children craft activities

An inspiring place to visit. There are tours, a cafe and gift shop. The structure and design is something to behold

Amazing building of the Scottish parliament. They do allow public tours and the inside was remarkable. They also have a lovely cafe inside.

If you’re in Scotland, you have to come and see this amazing building and experience what the parliament does in Scotland. We had a really interesting talk by one of the guides who told us all about departments and the history about it and how this new amazing building has come to be since 1999. Just so much to do here.

Took a guided tour around the building. Be aware you will have to go through a full security check before entering the building, but the staff make it easy and less painful than an airport. The staff at the entrance were welcoming, really nice, friendly and helpful, the tour guide was informative and engaging answering the many questions and making sure everyone on the tour was heard and saw everything. The cafe is really good with plenty of beverage and food choices, plenty of seating and a peaceful atmosphere, the toilets as expected are clean and fresh. The gift shop is well stocked with gifts for every pocket. It is where Scotland is governed so go and visit and get a real feel for the place.

Very enjoyable, interesting and educational FREE guided tour (book in advance). Our guide Aaron was engaging and a great storyteller sharing Scottish history, explaining how the parliament works and about the beautiful architecture and symbolism of features within the building. Tour was just under an hour. All of the staff in the building were friendly, welcoming, knowledgeable and were happy to chat and answer questions. Cafe was great too.

Let's see, only 10 people in line, 35 minutes to get those 10 people through security! That's just plain ridiculous! Wait, there's more. Another line to check your bags with only one employee slowly checking people in. And of course everything has to be hand written (no need to use a computer for efficiency in 2019). There was no indication from employees or any signage that suggested we needed to check a bag. But despite the lack of communication, and the fact that every bag had already been searched and x-rayed, and the fact that members of parliament weren't even present that day, everyone else seemed to be checking their purses, bags, etc. So we dutifully lined up. After 30 minutes in this line, we saw a tourist walk right past us and into parliament with an enormous backpack. She bypassed the line, waltzed right in, and no employee seemed to care. So one minute later we followed suit, departing the line and walking inside as well. My wife only had a small purse anyway. An official emerged from seemingly nowhere and told us "No bags, return to the line!" Backpack Lady was already well across the room, nonchalantly unaware of what she had successfully pulled off. So we begrudging returned to the line, along with the three people who had followed our lead. We waited longer while Backpack Lady, a potential terrorist for all we know, roamed parliament apparently unnoticed. While we waited, a heavyset gentleman (clearly a tourist) walked by with a backpack and entered the building. Again, no security! But my wife better hand over that tiny purses with almost nothing in it! Why even bother with security when they're clearly not doing their jobs? After about an hour to admit a mere 12 people into the building, and questionable security practices, we were in. Seeing the main room where parliament meets was interesting, although I was too nervous to stand anywhere near Backpack Lady and Backpack Man. The rest was not interesting, and the wait was certainly not worth the effort!

Most UNDERRATED activity in Edinburgh. As an SNP member, it was really cool to tour the building and see the day to day goings on in Parliament. I really enjoyed the architecture and feeling apart of the political process. I recommend everyone check it out when in town, I feel it's one of the more underrated things to do in town and if you want to do something cool that most visitors don't do, I recommend it.

Carve out 30 minutes to dash inside this free, educational experience across the street from Holyrood Palace. Visiting Parliament is free admission. Inside, this building is ultra modern with a small museum-like area in the front lobby. There is at least 30 minutes worth of educational placards to peruse in this section. Then you can head upstairs into the parliament chamber, which is astoundingly beautiful. I would definitely urge visitors to Edinburgh to set aside 30 minutes to dash in and out.

1. The Structure: The outside might not be beautiful and maybe doesn't match the standard of the rest of the city, but it's not as offensive as some people make it out to be. Also, from an arial view, it looks like something built for the olympics. Then there's the inside which is just unique, and structurally interesting without being distracting in the chamber. The building won the Stirling Prize in 2005, and the design of the ceiling beams allow for the space of 30m without columns, which suits the purpose quite well. 2. The Visit: The building is easy to access by walking, public transport, or by car, as there is parking available. Tickets are free and very easy to get. There is a request form on the website, and within a few hours it is approved (I assume almost always) and they are reserved for when you get there, which I much prefer to having to print them somewhere. They offer tours, tickets to question time, or tickets to just sit in on a session, which is what we did. 3. The actual Scottish Parliament: The debate on the floor that day was highly engaging, and speeches were much more colourful than we were expecting (so much attitude). I would suggest, if you have the flexibility, looking at the schedule and seeing what you would find most interesting. The sessions are 2 hours long, and members come in and out depending on what is being debated or voted on. You are free to leave at any point during the sessions, but during question time, are encouraged to stick it out. All in all, it's an interesting, free, and flexible visit.

I recently visited the parliament building for a special photography exhibition. The photographs were fabulous but the actual exhibition wasn't the best as the descriptive text accompanying each photo was both small and low down, so you would have to stoop and lean in close to read. Not terribly conducive for more than one person viewing an image at once. The architecture of the building itself is controversial, but I would say that I like the landscaping around it. Bonus is that local dogs definitely love the water features.

The Scottish Parliament Building is definitely a Marmite type construction with people either hating or loving it due to the architect Enric Miralles designing a building that on the face of it is the antithesis of the Old Town surroundings. The best way to experience the interior of the building is to take one of the four guided tours that are available free of charge. The main tour of the Parliament is available on a Monday, Friday and Saturday. There are also three other tours available for history, art and literature but these need to be arranged in advance. The works of art that adorn the walls aren't your usual stuffy old paintings but are really interesting and challenging using various media from paintings to photography and ceramics to sculpture. Open your mind to the building and you may be surprised by what is inside.

We were so glad we decided at the last minute to go inside the Parliament building, across from Holyrood Palace. We didn't take an official tour, but they had a fantastic large exhibit of photographs in the lobby and we also went in to listen to a little bit of the parliament in session. They just so happened to be addressing a pro-women's issue. Loved it. The building itself is interesting too. You do have to go through security, but it was pretty easy and fast when we went.

Cool building, knowledgeable guide and free admission. This surpassed all of my expectations! A must-see in Edinburgh.

Very pleasant security staff and badly designed toilets.

Having worked in the Scottish Parliament I can vouch that this building is more spectacular in than out. A-symetrical corridors, ornate detail, views of Arthurs' Seat, beautiful granit flooring, shiny wood furnishings and an impressive Garden Lobby (which seems to be filled with sunlight even on a cloudy day), this building is a must-see. Get a tour if you can.

I was disappointed when I first saw the building. 'Is it the Parliament?', I asked my friend staring in disbelief at the weird architecture. I have always imagined Parliament buildings to be somewhat grandiose. One of my friends on her first visit to Edinburgh wasn't impressed either and said that the outside decoration reminded her of guns. One can employ a lot of imagination when trying to decipher the art deco construction of the Spanish architect, however, when I had the chance to enter the building I was really impressed by the amount of light coming into the Chamber room and must say that I really liked the building inside more than its outside image.

Opened in October 2004, the Scottish Parliament Building has been the topic of much debate and controversy. Costing more than ten times the initial budget and opening three years later than scheduled, it prompted a major public enquiry into its construction. Its location was questioned from the outset, as was the choice of architect and design. Despite these issues, the building as attracted much international acclaim and won numerous awards, including the Stirling Prize, one of the most important British architectural awards. Guided tours a regularly run through this complex and fascinating building, and are defiantly worth while. The Canongate Wall, situated outside the building as you walk up Canongate, has numerous quotes from celebrated Scots writers and poets inscribed in stones set into the wall. A slow stroll past is a great way to finish off a days exploration of Scottish politics, architecture and identity.

an interesting building to view both inside and outside. very airy and bright and a must see even only for curiosity to see