Scottish Parliament

The Scottish Parliament building stands at Horse Wynd in the Holyrood district at the bottom of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland, opposite the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The complex was designed by the Catalan architect Enric Miralles and opened in 2004. Its design draws on the surrounding landscape, with curved forms, leaf-shaped windows, timber and granite surfaces and grass-covered roofs set against the crags of Holyrood Park behind. Visitors enter through a public foyer with a security check, and can explore the public areas, an exhibition on the Parliament and a shop and cafe. On sitting days, visitors can watch debates from the public gallery of the debating chamber, whose timber ceiling and layered seating are among the building's distinctive features. Free guided tours are available but need advance booking, and they offer access to parts of the building not otherwise open. General admission is free. The Parliament is usually open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00, with last entry at 16:30, but opening can change on non-sitting days and around recess, so checking the official website is advised. A visit takes one to one and a half hours, longer with a tour or a debate. Weekday mornings are generally the best time, and busy tour groups tend to arrive around the middle of the day. For photography, the exterior is best seen from the front plaza and from the pond areas, with the sandstone cliffs of Salisbury Crags behind, while photographs inside are subject to the building's rules. The Parliament is a short walk from Holyroodhouse and Dynamic Earth, so it combines easily with other attractions at the foot of the Royal Mile. The Royal Mile bus routes and a walk down the hill from the castle take around 20 minutes.