Scottish Parliament

The Scottish Parliament is where laws are made and national decisions are discussed. It is at the bottom of the Royal Mile, close to the historic Holyrood Palace and Arthur’s Seat. The building opened in 2004 and is famous for its modern and unusual design. Many people visit the Parliament to learn more about Scottish politics and to see the interesting architecture.

When you visit, you can first look at the outside of the building. It is made from wood, glass, and stone, and has many shapes that show ideas about nature and the Scottish landscape. Inside, you will find large open spaces and bright rooms with natural light. One of the most popular places is the Debating Chamber. This is where Members of the Scottish Parliament, called MSPs, meet to talk about important issues like education, health, and transport.

Visitors can join free guided tours that explain how the Parliament works and what happens each week. The guides speak clearly and share useful information, so it is a good activity for English learners. You can also sit in the public gallery to watch a live debate when the Parliament is in session.

A visit to the Scottish Parliament is a great way to learn about Scottish culture, politics, and modern architecture.

Holyrood Palace sits just across from Parliament, and is also a place of great significance.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse, often called Holyrood Palace, is the official home of the British monarch in Scotland. It is located at the end of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, close to Arthur’s Seat. The palace has a long and exciting history. It was first built next to an old abbey in the 1100s, and later became a royal residence.

Many important kings and queens lived here, including Mary, Queen of Scots, who experienced both happy and tragic events inside the palace walls. Today, Holyrood Palace is used for royal ceremonies when the monarch visits Scotland, and it is also open to visitors. People come from all over the world to see the beautiful rooms, the historic abbey ruins, and the peaceful gardens.