Scottish Parliament | Edinburgh

The Scottish Parliament is the devolved legislature of Scotland, responsible for passing laws on a wide range of domestic issues, such as health, education, and justice, as well as overseeing the activities of the Scottish Government. It is located at the Scottish Parliament Building in Edinburgh, next to Holyrood Palace at the end of the Royal Mile. The building itself is an architectural landmark and plays a central role in Scotland's political life.

History of the Scottish Parliament

Early History and Disbandment:

• The Scottish Parliament was originally established in the 12th century during the reign of King David I of Scotland. It became an important institution in medieval Scottish governance, overseeing law-making, taxation, and the relationship between the monarchy and the Scottish nobility.
• In 1707, following the Acts of Union, Scotland’s Parliament was disbanded as part of the union with England that created Great Britain. From then on, Scotland was governed by the Parliament of the United Kingdom in Westminster, London, with no separate Scottish legislature.

Devolution and the Establishment of the Modern Scottish Parliament:

• The idea of a Scottish Parliament was revived in the 20th century, particularly in the context of growing calls for devolution, the transfer of powers from the UK Parliament to a Scottish legislature.
• After a referendum in 1997, in which a majority of Scots voted in favor, the Scottish Parliament was re-established. In 1999, the first elections were held, and the Scottish Parliament began to function in a devolved capacity, gaining powers over areas such as health, education, and transport while foreign affairs and defense remain under the control of the UK Parliament.

The Scottish Parliament Building

The Scottish Parliament Building, designed by architect Enric Miralles, was officially opened in 2004. The building is a modern architectural masterpiece and has been a subject of both admiration and controversy due to its innovative design and high construction costs.

Location:

• The Scottish Parliament Building is situated at the foot of Arthur’s Seat, in Holyrood Park, directly adjacent to Holyrood Palace and facing the Royal Mile. Its location emphasizes the connection between Scotland’s historical monarchy and its modern democratic governance.

Design and Architecture:

• The design of the Scottish Parliament Building was intended to reflect the distinctiveness of Scottish identity while integrating with the natural surroundings of Holyrood Park. It features a blend of organic shapes, sharp angles, and modern materials, drawing on traditional Scottish themes such as stone, timber, and glass.
• The building includes several distinctive elements:
  • The Curved Facade: The main building features a distinctive curved façade, which is designed to reflect the surrounding hills and landscape. The use of stone cladding is intended to evoke the ruggedness of Scottish landscapes.
  • The “Roof Garden”: The building’s roof features a garden terrace that provides stunning views of the surrounding park and the city of Edinburgh.
  • **The “Canopy”: The parliament’s iconic canopy is a bold structural element that appears to float above the building and is a key feature of the complex's design.

The Design Controversy:

• The building’s design and construction became a subject of debate due to its cost and unconventional style. Originally estimated at £40 million, the final cost of the project reached over £400 million, which led to criticism and controversy over the budget overruns.
• The unique style of the building also attracted mixed reactions. While some praised its bold, innovative design, others felt it was out of place in the historic context of Edinburgh’s Old Town and Holyrood area. However, the building has since been widely acknowledged for its creative approach to architecture and its success in integrating with the landscape.

Functions and Responsibilities of the Scottish Parliament

Legislation:

• The Scottish Parliament has the power to pass laws on various devolved matters. These include issues such as healthcare, education, transport, housing, environmental policy, and justice. However, the Parliament cannot legislate on reserved matters, which are issues such as foreign affairs, defense, and immigration, which remain under the control of the UK Parliament.
• Acts of the Scottish Parliament must receive Royal Assent before becoming law, but this is largely a formality.

The Scottish Government:

• The Scottish Parliament elects the First Minister, who leads the Scottish Government (also called the Executive). The First Minister is typically the leader of the political party that has the most seats in the Parliament.
• The government is responsible for implementing policies and delivering services in areas that have been devolved to Scotland, and it works with the Parliament to develop and pass laws in those areas.

The Parliament’s Structure:

• The Scottish Parliament is made up of 129 Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs), who are elected every five years. The members are elected through a mixed-member proportional representation system, which combines first-past-the-post voting for constituency MSPs with proportional representation for regional MSPs.
• The Presiding Officer is the leader of the Parliament and is responsible for overseeing its operations, maintaining order in debates, and ensuring that the rules are followed. The Presiding Officer is elected by MSPs from among themselves.

Debates and Questions:

• The Parliament meets regularly to debate proposed legislation, scrutinize the actions of the government, and discuss important issues facing Scotland. Question Time is a key part of the parliamentary session, where the First Minister and other government ministers answer questions from MSPs about government policies and issues affecting Scotland.

Committees:

• The Parliament also operates through a series of committees that examine specific issues, such as public health, education, or the economy. These committees gather evidence, scrutinize bills, and make recommendations to the full Parliament.

Key Features of the Scottish Parliament Building

The Debating Chamber:

• The heart of the Scottish Parliament Building is the Debating Chamber, where MSPs meet to discuss legislation, policies, and important national issues. The chamber is designed to reflect an inclusive and open environment, with a semi-circular layout that allows for direct interaction between members and the public.
• The chamber’s design incorporates natural light and features wooden paneling and modern furnishings. The use of wood is intended to evoke traditional Scottish craft while the clean lines and glass elements convey a sense of openness and transparency.

The Public Gallery:

• The public gallery above the debating chamber allows members of the public to observe the parliamentary proceedings. The Parliament building is intended to be open and accessible to the people of Scotland, and regular tours are offered to help citizens understand the legislative process.

Committee Rooms:

• The building includes a number of committee rooms, where MSPs gather in smaller groups to discuss specific issues in detail. These rooms are designed for working discussions and tend to have more intimate, focused atmospheres compared to the main debating chamber.

The Garden Lobby:

• One of the most striking parts of the Scottish Parliament Building is the Garden Lobby, a light-filled space that connects the debating chamber with the rest of the building. It features natural materials, such as timber, and opens onto a garden area with views of Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat.

The Public Square:

• The building also includes a public square in front of the Parliament, which serves as a space for public events, protests, and gatherings. The square is a central part of the building’s integration with the community and allows people to engage with the Parliament in a more informal and open manner.

Significance of the Scottish Parliament

Symbol of Devolution:

• The Scottish Parliament Building symbolizes the devolution of powers from Westminster to Edinburgh, marking a significant step in Scotland’s journey toward greater self-governance and autonomy within the United Kingdom.
• It represents Scotland’s distinct political identity, as the Parliament is the place where laws are made on matters that directly affect the Scottish people.

Public Engagement:

• The building is also a hub of public engagement, offering tours, events, and interactive activities that help citizens understand the legislative process and feel connected to their government.
• The open architecture and accessible layout of the building reflect the Parliament’s commitment to transparency and engagement with the public.

Visitor Experience

Visitors to the Scottish Parliament can explore the building through guided tours, which provide insights into its history, architecture, and the legislative process. The public gallery offers the opportunity to observe debates, while the garden lobby and public square are open for visitors to enjoy.

Conclusion

The Scottish Parliament is not just a political institution but also a powerful symbol of Scotland's autonomy and democratic values. The Scottish Parliament Building, with its innovative design, plays a crucial role in representing the people of Scotland and is an important cultural and political landmark in Edinburgh. Whether you are a local, a visitor, or a political enthusiast, the building offers a fascinating glimpse into the heart of Scotland’s governance.