The Church of Scotland Assembly Hall and New College building on the Mound above Prince Street Gardens were always worth a photo even before they leapt to prominence as the temporary home of the Scottish Parliament in 1999. The building was originally designed by William Playfair as a church and Theological College for the newly formed Free Church of Scotland in 1845-50. The twin towers and gatehouse dominate the main elevation overlooking Princes Street and there is a striking statue of John Knox, in typical declamatory pose, in the quadrangle inside.
The main entrance to the Parliament building is for MSPs and staff only. The visitor's entrance to the Assembly Hall, which is now the debating chamber of the new Scottish Parliament, is at the rear of the building, through Milne's Court. Parliament, when in session, meets on Wednesdays and Thursdays so if you want to see the Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) in action those are the days to call in. There is the usual security checks and baggage scanners to pass through before you can gain access. On days when Parliament is not sitting, there are guides to explain the layout - and the technology and electronic voting system. And in May, the Church of Scotland take over for a spell so that they can hold their annual General Assembly.
There is no space in the main building for a visitors' centre but this has been created a short distance away, down Castlehill, at the corner of George IV Bridge, in a building which used to be used by the City of Edinburgh Council. You can buy souvenirs and see displays on aspects of the Scottish Parliament. As the building is also used as committee rooms by the MSPs, there is again a security check before you can gain access.
Currently (2001) just a hole in the ground, the new Scottish Parliament building is being constructed at the other end of the Royal Mile at Holyrood. The architect is Enric Miralles from Spain, working in conjunction with RMJM of Edinburgh. The new building is across the road from the royal Palace of Holyroodhouse (the Queen's residence when she is in Edinburgh) and "Dynamic Earth" with its myriad of interactive exhibits and special effects.
In the illustration here, the building surrounded by scaffolding at the rear of the site is Queensberry House which was originally built as a mansion house in 1651 and was later owned by Lord Queensberry. It is being retained and incorporated into the new building.
