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Visit the Scottish Parliament

Opening Times

Monday to Saturday (including public holidays):

  • 10am to 5pm (last entry 4.30pm) 

Please remember to follow our visitor behaviour policy.

Due to a Festival of Politics event in the Debating Chamber, the public gallery will only be open from 1pm on Friday 25 August. All other areas of the building will be open as usual. 

The Scottish Parliament at Holyrood is the home of Scottish democracy. We are open throughout the year and offer the opportunity to watch Parliamentary business taking place, and on certain days there are free guided tours and talks. We also have an exhibition, a café and gift shop.

Tours and more

Monday to Saturday

(Find out more)

Discover more about the history behind the Scottish Parliament and learn about the architecture of the award-winning Parliament building. Book ahead to avoid disappointment!

Monday to Saturday

(Find out more)

You are welcome to visit the building any time it’s open. You do not need to book. You can explore any public areas, including our free exhibition.

Monday to Saturday

(Find out more)

Groups larger than 9 can reserve tickets for a guided tour.

5 to 26 August 2023

(Find out more)

See the world's best photojournalism for free, at the only venue in the UK to host this exhibition.

Debates

First Minister's Questions

Thursday at 12:00 45mins


Every Thursday at midday, the First Minister answers questions from MSPs. This session is open for the public to attend – and it's free. Booking in advance required. FMQs will not run during recess (1 July to 3 September).


All meetings in the Debating Chamber are open to the public. You are welcome to either walk in on the day of your visit, or book ahead. Tickets are free. Debates will not run during recess (1 July to 3 September).


Committees have specific topics and meet regularly to hear from various people. These meetings are open to the public. You can either book tickets ahead of time or watch a meeting on the day of your visit. Meetings are free to attend. Committee meetings will not run during recess (1 July to 3 September).

How to find us

Please try to arrive 20 minutes prior to event to allow time to pass through security at the Scottish Parliament.

By bus

Visitors can use the Lothian Buses service numbers 35 (nearest is outside our building on the Royal Mile).

Several open top tour buses make regular stops here, too.

By train

The Parliament building is a 15-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley train station. Information about train services to and from Edinburgh is available from National Rail.

By road

Our postcode is EH99 1SP. The nearest car parks are St John's Hill or on New Street, next to Waverley Station.