Scottish Parliament Building

About this place

Modern parliamentary building in Edinburgh offering free tours and educational exhibitions.

Designed by the Catalan architect Enric Miralles, who died before its completion, the Scottish Parliament building is one of the most architecturally distinctive modern buildings in Edinburgh, its unusual leaf-shaped forms and abstract motifs drawing on Scottish landscape and culture in ways that still divide opinion two decades after it opened in 2004. Free guided tours take visitors through the debating chamber and committee rooms, with educational sessions available for families wanting a bit more context on how Scottish democracy actually works. Its position at the foot of the Royal Mile makes it easy to combine with a wider day in the Old Town. Entry and tours are free, and the building is fully accessible.

Make a day of it — within 5km