The Scottish Parliament Building

**What Is It?**
The Scottish Parliament of Scotland is the central place of Scottish Politics. The parliament has 129 members called MSP's (Members of the Scottish Parliament) This is where they do some of there work, debating certain issues and representing their constiuency and/or region. They have been working in the Scottish Parliament since October 2004.

**Why I Went**
My mum actaully works for the one of the Ministers ...
...a tourist. I've been with the school so i'll also write about that! Enjoy...

**It's History**
In 1707 the act of Union took place. This meant Scotland was to be ruled by England and have the same laws etc. Then 292 years later Scotland decided "Hey, we want our own parliament!" so devolution took place. It started in the 1960's when support grew for the SNP (Scottish National Party) and support for a Scottish Assembly ... more

**What Is It?**
The Scottish Parliament of Scotland is the central place of Scottish Politics. The parliament has 129 members called MSP's (Members of the Scottish Parliament) This is where they do some of there work, debating certain issues and representing their constiuency and/or region. They have been working in the Scottish Parliament since October 2004.

**Why I Went**
My mum actaully works for the one of the Ministers so i'm in and out all the time and have been there at least 50 times! So i'm seeing writing my first impressions and what it would be like to a tourist. I've been with the school so i'll also write about that! Enjoy...

**It's History**
In 1707 the act of Union took place. This meant Scotland was to be ruled by England and have the same laws etc. Then 292 years later Scotland decided "Hey, we want our own parliament!" so devolution took place. It started in the 1960's when support grew for the SNP (Scottish National Party) and support for a Scottish Assembly grew. It wasn't until the 70's when the plan for a Scottish Assembly was agreed by the UK Parliament. The idea was to have a democratically elected assemebly which would have powers o help run Scotland. Sadly it failed because of not enough support. But the idea was never forgotten about. So althrough the 1980's and 90's there was big pushes for a Scottish Parliament and devolution. In May 1997 Tony Blair took over power with the Labour party, and a referendum was finally made for the Scottish Parliament. Westminster voted for the Parliament and in May 1999 the first proper Scottish elections where held. Powers where then transferred from Westminster to the Scottish Parliament to the MSP's. They where first put in Church's General Assembly. Then the Scottish Parliament building started. After a long 300 year struggle we finally got a parliament building.
This meaning Scotland could finally have it's own system and some powers instead of debating them at Westminster. It's original budget for the construction was £50 million but that shot up to an incredible £475 million! Out of taxpayers money as well so was it really worth it? You decide...

**Where Is It?**
It is stationed in Scotland's capital Edinburgh. The Parliament sits right below Arthur's seat. It is beside the famous Holyrood Palace and Dynamic Earth and you can't really miss it. It is very close to Princess Street and right next to the Royal Mile. If your still stuck heres a link with a map. It comes in all different languages.
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/vli/visitingHolyrood/howToFin dUs.htm

**Why Go There?**
If your interested in History, politics, current affairs or just even architecture then this will interest you! Depending on what you get up to it can be very interesting and educational. If you have a look out in a Scottish newspaper, the Parliament usually has certain days where it does different activties. It recently had rock bands come and play in the gardens and has special days for children/teenagers studying different parts of politics. It also has a big tourist appeal as well.

**Whos Running It**
Well the MSP's are the top of the of the parliament hireachachy. Then there is the civil servants who work for different departments. Then there is the security and staff who look after the building itself. It's always very busy so when you go you will see a lot of people rushing about. Theres not one person really running it. The six political parties however are SNP, Labour, Conservative (Torie), Liberal Democrat, Green and Independent. SNP are running the show with a minority goverment at the moment.

**Parking/How To Get There?**
There isn't a car park pacifically for the parliament. But there are a lot of close by ones that are regularly used by visitors. I've hardly ever been to parliament with the car myself. There is St.Johns Hill which is usually for Arthur Seat climbers. Thats the best one. then there is the Waverly station one but it can be havoc to get a space at peak times! Then there are other smaller ones scattered around. To be honest, if you want the best experience of the parliament take the bus or train.
There are more than 30 services offering direct drop offs at the parliament form lots of the most common used stops in Edinburgh. This is one of the most reliable methods. The service numbers are 35 and 36. Another method is train to Waverly Station. It is a 15 minute walk or 5/7 minute taxi drive. This is less convient however. The best is the bus. Especially if you have kids etc.

**The Builiding**
Wow the building. It's one of the main reasons it gets lots of visitors. The architect was Eric Miralles, sadly died at only 45 of a brain tumour before the building was complete. It was supposed to be the next modern king of Scottish architecture. It has very distinguishable features such as the stick out pods with steps and the "gun" shaped plaques plastered all over the building. I don't know what shape these "Gun" shaped things where supposed to be anyway? It is a very natural lit building with sky-lights when ever possible. This is good as there is hardly in artifical light, even at night time.
The building is split into many towers. Most are tower buildings where the different employees of the parliament work. Each party has there own floor or tower. There is the Canongate building which is one of the entrances. This is where the information centre is. Theres the huge debating chamber which is where MSP's debate certain issues. The beautiful garden lobby is a light, airy space where MSP's, journalists and staff can meet. It is quite imformal and is very comfortable. Then of course the big media centre. This is the building with the big 'gun" panels (sorry for me to refer them to this but that is the only way i can describe them really!) This is basically where they broadcast everything and this is where all the technical stuff happens. Queensbury house is quite hidden. This is where i think the Presiding officers offices are? Not actually quite sure, going to look it up... yep and the chief executive. Just wanted to make sure! And then finally is the MSP's offices. Each MSP has their own office and staff. Have been there a couple of times but don't think it is accessible to the public unless a meeting etc.
So i've told you what the buildings are and look like but i haven't said much what i think. It is a very beautiful building. I know a lot disagree but i think it is modern and well built. It is very unique. But £460 million? How could it have cost that much i ended up asking myself one day!

**The Debating Chamber**
The debating chamber is as i have already said is where MSP's debate certain different issues whether it be local to national. It has 129 desks and seat with the presiding officer sitting at the front. For people who didn't know what the presiding officer is it is someone who makes sure the debate doesn't go off topic and makes sure it is fair. It is an elected MSP who gets the job. At the moment it is Alex Ferguson of the Conservative party. He however is not allowed to take a side. When you look down onto the desks you will notice there is buttons and a little computer screen. This lets them vote yes or no. The part where the public audience sit is above the MSP's. They are seated in what party they are in. You can't really tell unless you recognise some faces who's sitting where. The leaders of the parties sit at the front. Listening to the debates is highly interesting. Depending of course what they are talking about. Some debates can get heated etc. The room itself is very tall with bright oak and wood everywhere. There is a magnificent ceiling of steel poles and wood. The seats which the public sit in are also wooden. A big highlight of the Scottish Parliament

**Security**
When you go in, you will be asked to put your bag through a security belt and asked to go through a airport style scanner. You only have to walk through it. The whole procedure only takes an extra 30 seconds and isn't really much of a hastle. There is a lot of security measures as remember this is a parliament. Don't be alarmed if you are asked to go through the scanner again. I found some of my jewelry got the scanner beeping. They'll ask you take it off and all metal objects and go though again. It was my necklace that triggered it that particular time. Anyway after that you don't really notice the security precautions. There are certain building that are only for officials so the public aren't allowed past certain points. This again is just for security reasons.

**Whats There To Do?**
Well you have got there. You've admired the building, taken a couple of photos, had a look around the outside and you get inside. The building is huge so it takes a while just to look around the whole of the outside of it! You have had your security checks etc and your there, in the building. Now you need a guided tour! So book in advance by the way, its much easier. The guided tour is strongly recommended by myself. I've been on it with my school and thought it was great. The guided tour takes you around the parliament. The educational one i went on meant we got a talk about the politicians etc but i think you only get it if your with a school or educational purposes. So anyway you have a look around and you get to go to the debating chamber. This is my personnel favourite thing about the parliament. I love going to watch the debates. As a SNP supporter i am bias (i even admit it!) towards them but i try and listen to each side of the story. I think a lot of people would enjoy watching one of the debates, especially if it is something they feel passionitly about e.g. Education, crime, independence etc. When you've finished watching a particular debate you can go to the cafe and/or shop and purchase goods. Then you can have a little wander about the main hall again and head off. Sorry i wrote it a bit simple but it will fill about 2 hours. If your visiting the city it is a recommendation to go there. You couldn't really stay there all day (unless you worked there of course)

**Take the Kids?**
Depending on the age of your child and their own personnel interests it isn't really the best place for children. However It does have a creche you can use it for leaving children from 6 weeks to 5 years. I think this is very good feature. I've only seen it once but it seems really good and modern. Very colorful and bright and run by a respectable company Kirktonholme Ltd. For older children there is the education part and is especailly good for teenagers studying Standard Grade/Higher Modern studies and english. You can organise school trips which i went on, which i really enjoyed. It was quite basic but was interesting.

**Disabled Access**
The disabled access for wheel chair users is modern and great standards. There is space in the debating chamber, especially a signed for wheelchair use. There is level access to all areas of the building and it has a free wheelchair loan service for people whilst they are visiting the Parliament building. It is very wheelchair friendly.
For deaf or hard of hearing the parliament has released information about the Parliament in British Sign Language on video. They can also interpret proceedings into sign language if a member of the public requires this service to understand what is happening at a committee meeting or meeting of the Parliament. I've seen this happening before and it was really interesting to watch. It even has fitted induction loop and infra-red sound enhancement systems all over the parliament.
For the blind it has braille signs and information materials. It has maps in braille as well.

**The Shop**
The shop sells large amounts of gifts and memorabillia for a keepsake for your trip to parliament. You can get anything gift wise from a pencil, to a bottle of Scottish Whisky! The shop is located quietly in the corner next to the cafe. it has a bright display on the window and inside is almost like a hall. The parliament color seems to be purple as alot of the labels are purple. They sell food and drink, e.g. Oatcakes, Whisky, fudge, tablet a lot of Scottish delicies. They also offer a huge hamper of there products with a basket. Then there is the keep sakes like pencils, t-shirts and the cutest teddy bears all displaying the Scottish Parliament logo somewhere. Then there is the more expensive memorarbiallia like watches, whisky flasks, clocks and even jewelry! It does have a great range to suit ever one. The price however can be a little high. The little keepsakes are suitably priced but i did feel some of the food was over priced a little. But i can't fault the chocolate however, it was great! A good finish for the parliament. I found the staff to be helpful and would help with assistance.

**Price?**
To get in is completely free. A guided tour however is strongly recommended however as there isn't much you can with out it. Cost is £5 per adult, £3 for children 5-16 years, students, disabled and people over 60. A family ticket (2 adults 2 children) is £15.20 and you get in free if your under 5 years or accompaning a disabled person. These are good prices for what your getting however. There is a shop and cafe as well with refreshments and gifts.

**Whats Right With It?**
Well it is the parliament of Scotland to start off with. I think that factor is very important that we have our own devolution. It is an iconic symbol now. It is open to the public and has good facilites for the disabled and young children. You can got there as a tourist, interest in politics or even just to get some culture. If there is an issue that you feel strongly you can find out via the Scottish Parliament website and you can find out if and when they will debate that issue. Get onto the parliament website at
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk
you will find any extra information there. If you where going to another Edinburgh landmark then you can add Parliament to a place to go to. It is right next to Holyrood Palace which is a big tourist area and Dynamic Earth so it will attract schools. So it really was in a good place.

**Whats Wrong With It?**
The reason it lost a start is because it wouldn't be everyones cup of tea. I don't think it would interest some people. It is however a great place to visit. Also i've brought up how much it cost! A lot of money and a lot of it was taxes (so paid by the people) and there was a lot of speculation about it. So some people may be unhappy to go becuase of that. But it is your money that has paid for it so i would recommend checking it out even if it was for that reason.

**Conclusion**
It is well worth a visit. If you have never been and quite fancy it then go! You really will like it. I'm definately recommending the Scottish Parliament to reviewers! A truly fantastic place to visit if your ever in Edinburgh or Scotland.

Janie x

© scotlandizdabest 2007 

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