Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The Scottish Parliament

    3.6 (30 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 5:30 pm

    The Scottish Parliament Photos

    Recommended Reviews - The Scottish Parliament

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Stairs up to Debating Chamber
    Dia D.

    Speaking as a tourist who was not involved in the politics or the cost of this building, I would highly recommend going in this building. It is a beautiful modern building with very interesting architecture. The architect was Catalan and it looks as if he had been influenced by Gaudi. The building is in a lovely setting near Holyrood Park, Arthur's Seat, and Salisbury Crags. They give free guided tours on days when Parliament is not meeting. When we arrived in the afternoon all of the tours were filled but we were told that we could wander through the public areas of the building and take pictures. The security person in the Debating Chamber was very friendly and answered many questions. You do have to go through a metal detector and have your bags x-rayed, but overall the building has a very free and open feel to it (I remember when the US Congress building also felt this way). My first trip to Scotland I started at Edinburgh Castle and worked my way down the Royal Mile, but never made it as far as the Parliament building, Holyrood Palace, and Arthur's Seat which was a big oversight.

    Michael H.

    Yup. This is where it all happens. This is where your hard earned tax money goes !!! ;-) This controversial building was designed by the late Spanish architect Enric Miralles and cost ~$500M to construct. Its modern design is hated by some, adored by others (myself included). Parts of the design were inspired by a painting of Duddingston Loch by the famous artist, Raeburn. Its a photographers delight - especially during the mornings when the sun rises behind Arthurs Seat.

    Photo from scottish.parliament.uk
    Cheryl C.

    I still don't really understand why so many people felt the need to whinge for so long about The Scottish Parliament's design and the amount of time it took to build and how over budget it was, etc, etc. Granted, the actual cost of building the parliament was preposterously over what it was originally supposed to cost, but all in all, contrary to a lot of popular opinion, I think, the parliament building looks pretty cool, and I have no issues with it whatsoever. I like its modern, mismatched, slanted aesthetic feel, and a bit of crazy modern architecture always goes down well with me. Having a peek in at the debating chamber is definitely worthwhile, plus it's a great place if you're into photography, as there are plenty of nooks and angles for portrait shots and other photo delights.

    Amy G.

    I look at this building and think WTF is actually going on here? Is it a mental hospital? Is it some sort of child's idea of a fort? Why the hell is there bloody bamboo sticks everywhere? It gives me a headache to look at and it makes me feel drunk. Edinburgh has been blessed with so many beautiful, unique historic buildings so I guess it was time we got it wrong. I think to a potential visitor it is worth a visit to admire the hideousness of the building as well as taking a tour inside to learn more about what the Scottish Parliament actually does. It earns extra points because of the role the Scottish Parliament actually plays in a devolved Scotland, it's just a shame they have to do it in such an ugly building. I do like the ponds outside though.

    Hideous!!!

    Ugly, ugly, ugly. This place is a fabulous example of a waste of money. I have no idea who decided that this place actually looked good, but I can guarantee you it was not your typical Scotsman. It is so hideous on the outside that it's actually an embarrassment. Half a billion pounds? Good God. We went in to have a quick look as it is one of Edinburgh's rare freebies, and we were kind of disappointed and a mixture of bored at the same time. It was pretty busy even though it was a Monday, rainy afternoon, but the people in there were mainly foreign and probably just wanted to see what it was like. My personal favourite thing was seeing a doll of Nelson Mandela given to the parliament as a gift, which was incredibly scary and voodoo-esque like. It's simple things like that which made it worthwhile. We had a quick look at the 'modern art' on the walls and the debating chamber, and then left. It wasn't exciting in the slightest, although there were no debates on so maybe that's why. Unless you are in love with Scottish Politics, or like boring stuff, I'd give it a by.

    See all

    Photo of Tora M.
    1547
    1048
    20279

    7 years ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 0
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dia D.
    106
    1098
    2581

    15 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    17 years ago

    Helpful 15
    Thanks 0
    Love this 17
    Oh no 0

    17 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Amy G.
    28
    331
    318

    16 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 13
    Thanks 0
    Love this 14
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Gavin M.
    108
    1090
    546

    16 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    17 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of S T.
    87
    1198
    1191

    16 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jonny L.
    28
    316
    325

    16 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Terry W.
    8
    258
    343

    16 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Emily T.
    24
    570
    287

    16 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sam C.
    16
    339
    350

    16 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Matthew L.
    1
    298
    265

    16 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    18 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of A F.
    1
    17
    0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    19 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    19 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    18 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Glenda R.
    11
    134
    16

    15 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    18 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    The Scottish Parliament Reviews in Other Languages

    Review Highlights - The Scottish Parliament

    Other than the gorgeous debate chamber, my other favorite building houses the MSP offices.

    Mentioned in 4 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Verify this business for free

    Get access to customer & competitor insights.

    Verify this business

    Police Scotland

    Police Scotland

    4.3(3 reviews)
    2.0 miNewington

    Thankfully, I've only ever been in here twice, and both of those times I was there out of choice…read moreand not anything mischief-related. If the lady who served me the first time I was in here is reading this, I'm sorry. More specifically I'm sorry for being a stupid drunken fresher and wasting half an hour of your time reporting a handbag stolen, only to go home and find it was exactly where I'd left it the night before after one too many cheap vodka and diet cokes. Although I didn't appreciate your lecture on binge drinking at the time, you were right. The second time was just the other day when Alex C and I found a purse that had clearly been stolen and relieved of any cash, before being flung out of the window of the bus that was passing us. Although I'm fairly sure the people designing the foyer of this station went out of their way to find the least obvious place to put the bell you need to ring for attention, when we eventually found it we were seen straight away, and the woman was really nice. Especially when she asked me if I'd "be willing to accept a reward if one were to be offered". Er, yes. Yes I would.

    I'd like to say I haven't been here often, but I'm foreign, from a "black-listed" country. It…read moredoesn't sound as bad as it is, but it just means that I have to keep people pretty much informed of everything I do. I take this warning very seriously, going to St Leonard's Police Station everytime I move flat, change my degree, get a job, etc. Once, however, a woman who probably didn't mean any harm at all, decided that what I was doing was hilarious and was generally very discouraging. Which is always kinda shit when you find yourself in the position to be mocked because you're following rules they applied to your life, with the threat of spending 6 months in jail and paying them 5000 pounds if you don't. Apart from that one situation, I find they've generally been helpful and polite. I've been there to hand in found wallets and to get documents for visa applications and the such. If only I hadn't been mocked that once, I'd probably be much more willing to speak highly and positively of this police station. But, let's face it, it's a police station, and we all fear it a bit.

    Morningside Library

    Morningside Library

    3.7(7 reviews)
    0.7 miMorningside

    As far as libraries go there's not a lot wrong with Morningside library. It has books, and lots of…read morethem. It also has telephone directories, audiobooks, internet access and newspapers. Everything really. It even has a massive separate room for children's books, which is great, because let's be fair, children are irritating at the best of times, never mind in a library. Add this to its opulent setting (the ceiling above the main desk is magnificent), with its original pillars and cornicing and you've got the makings of something great. Why only 3 stars then, you cry? I just felt the whole place felt drab, tired if you will. The carpet looks like an enormous piece of baize, and the tables and chairs are old. A little makeover (and it wouldn't take much) and this would be a truly resplendent place to get your literature fix.

    Morningside is an area with an above average age. Add to this the fact that older generations tend…read moreto frequent libraries more than younger ones and you start to get a picture of what this library is like - the World War II section is one of the most comprehensive for starters. That said, if you do belong to the two extremes of the age groups or have a young child this is a good set up for you. There is a large print section, massive audio book section (generally tapes) and a good range of children's books including some for sale at 10p each. If you aren't of these age ranges this isn't particularly set up for you, although there are books of interest. It's rarely quiet here and if you want to come out for a quick visit you will be welcomed in, but beware of the predominant age groups if you are one of those people who feels easily out of place.

    Photos
    Morningside Library
    Morningside Library
    Morningside Library

    See all

    Greyfriars Bobby - Selfying with the statue while touching nose for good luck.

    Greyfriars Bobby

    4.3(94 reviews)
    2.0 miOld Town

    Greyfriars Bobby is one of Edinburgh's most popular tourist attractions. Located just in front of…read morethe entrance to the Greyfriars Kirk can be found the bronze statue of Bobby. Hundreds of fans flock here every day to pay their respects, all eager to get a closer look at their doggy hero. History and why it is famous- and trust me guys, he is inthe same league as Hachi- Bobby, born in 1856, was a Terrier who spent over 14 years guarding the grave of his beloved owner. John - a dedicated nightwatchman for the Edinburgh City Police Force - carried out his duties with his trusty companion night after night. After John's untimely death in 1858, Bobby refused to leave his master's grave until the day he died himself. The rumours about this little dog began to spread far and wide, and Bobby soon had quite the fan base. In 1867, the Lord Provost of Edinburgh presented him with his very own collar. This gesture signified that Bobby was a licensed dog, meaning that he was protected against the new law that had recently been enforced, which stated that all unlicensed dogs would be destroyed. Bobby passed away in January 1872, and as a final token of his loyalty, was buried close to his master in the Kirkyard. A granite fountain with a statue can be found opposite Greyfriars Kirkyard - a permanent memorial to this faithful pup. Bobby's grave can be found immediately inside the gate of Greyfriars Kirkyard. He was buried close to his much-loved John, ensuring that the pair's astonishing bond would never be broken. It is not uncommon for doting visitors to leave sticks, dog toys, and flowers on his grave.

    It's the statue of a cute Skye Terrier named Bobby. A loyal dog who is said to have stayed at…read moreGreyfriars Kirkyard near his master's grave for 14 years until his death in 1872. He lived to be 16 years old with the help of the community who knew his master, John Gray. Bobby was buried in the courtyard entrance of the kirkyard near his grave. This statue is on Candlemaker Row across the street from Greyfriars Bobby Bar (named after this special little doggie). People continue to rub his nose for good luck. As you can see, the paint has rubbed off his nose. It's still a nice statue and tribute. We just happened to see it on our way to the National Museum of Scotland. It was a great little discovery.

    Photos
    Greyfriars Bobby - Greyfriars Bobby Statue_Yelp_Sanju-8

    Greyfriars Bobby Statue_Yelp_Sanju-8

    Greyfriars Bobby - Statue by Bobby's grave

    Statue by Bobby's grave

    Greyfriars Bobby - Touchy the nosey.

    See all

    Touchy the nosey.

    The Scottish Parliament - publicservicesgovt - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...