Scottish Parliament Building Edinburgh

Scottish Parliament Building, Edinburgh, Scotland

The striking Scottish Parliament Building in Edinburgh was designed by Spanish/Catalan architect Enric Miralles (1955-2000) and built using oak, steel, and granite. All three are representative materials of the Scottish nation.

The structure features an organic, fragmented design inspired by the surrounding hills, traditional Scottish motifs, as well as elements of nature. Its use of materials such as steel, oak, and granite reflects Scotland’s industrial and natural history. The building’s unique façade, with abstract window shapes and leaf-like panels, adds to its distinctive, modern aesthetic, making it one of the most unconventional parliamentary buildings in the world.

Inside the Scottish Parliament

The Scottish Parliament Building was constructed between 1999 and 2004 at a huge cost. It lies at the edge of the Old Town in Edinburgh near the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Holyrood Park, and Salisbury Crags.

The Scottish Parliament is the work of Spanish architect Enric Miralles

The building is designed to represent the culture and identity of Scotland and its people. It aims to blend into the surrounding natural and physical environment.

Access – Getting There

The Scottish Parliament (www.parliament.scot)
Edinburgh
Scotland
EH99 1SP

The Scottish Parliament is a 15-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley Station. Alternatively, it takes about 20 minutes from Edinburgh Bus Station on Elder Street. Edinburgh Bus Station has direct buses from both Dundee and St Andrews.

Nearby

Other places of interest nearby include Dynamic Earth, the Museum of Edinburgh, the Museum of Childhood, the National Museum of Scotland, the statue of Greyfriars’ Bobby, and also Edinburgh Castle. Old College is also less than 20 minutes away on foot.