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the scottish parliament – green from the roof to the loo

text sabrina wendling, photo werner gritzbach

It’s a sparkling gem amid rolling wildflower meadows, ponds, and woods of wild cherry and lime trees. Viewed from above, the Scottish Parliament building even looks like the leaves of a tree. That’s by design – nature is the recurring theme in its architecture, and the building itself merges with the landscape. Or, as the architect Enric Miralles puts it, the parliament “grows out of the land.”

Even inside the building, you will find the shape of leaves almost everywhere. In the garden lobby, you stroll under a forest canopy of leaves – in glass and steel – adorning the roof.

But there’s also real nature inside the parliament: gutters at the windows bring rainwater down to the lavatories – where it is used to flush the toilets. A building green from the roof to the loo.

Even in the debating chamber, where the 129 representatives discuss issues such as agriculture, environment and health, you will feel close to nature. The representatives have a spectacular view to the hills, which the visitors can also enjoy. But do plan to visit early – the Scottish Parliament is a hot spot for both tourists and locals. In fact, often there are more visitors than representatives in the chamber.

Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh EH99 1SP.

Tickets: Tickets for First Minister’s Question Time can only be booked by telephone on 0131 348 5200 or freephone 0800 092 7600. Textphone users can use 0800 092 7100. Tickets for other debates can be booked online: www.scottish.parliament.uk

Guided tours are free. There are also theme tours on art, history and literature.