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The Scottish Parliament

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

The Scottish Parliament

A unique building, designed by the Spanish (Catalan) architect Enric Miralles, with a £431 million price tag which is much higher than the original back-of-an-envelope estimate. Highly controversial among Scots, who consider it either a daring showpiece of postmodern architecture or a national embar

rassment. The Parliament generally meets Tue-Thu and you can watch debates from the Public Gallery. Ask for tickets at the reception. The ''[http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/visitandlearn/12516.aspx First Minister's Question Time]'' is normally on Thursdays 12:00-12:30. You need to reserve tickets in advance (up to 7 days). If you did not get a ticket, you are put on a waiting list if you arrive in person from 10:00 on the day and might get access if other people did not show up. You can follow the question time from the Overspill Room while waiting. On non-business days (Mon, Fri, Sat) you can view the debating chamber from the Public Gallery without tickets. In the lobby area there are often exhibitions.

Listen to the audio guide for The Scottish Parliament Free on WIP — starts by itself when you arrive, even with the screen off

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