The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh

The legislature of Scotland is housed in the modern structure of The Scottish Parliament, which convenes three times each week. Visit the parliamentary hall to view the minister's seats arranged in a semicircle around the speaker's podium. There you'll also see the mace Queen Elizabeth II presented to the parliament on its official opening in July 1999. The mace is suspended from the lid of its glass case, and the lid is rotated so the mace turns at the beginning of every parliamentary sitting to symbolize that the meeting has taken place. You can book a free ticket for a debate in advance as some days on the calendar are blocked off for visitors, or take a free one-hour guided tour through the parliamentary building, debate chambers, and committee chambers. There is a shop and cafe on-site where you can relax after viewing a debate. Arrange to visit The Scottish Parliament and other attractions in Edinburgh using our Edinburgh trip planner.