Published in Scotland Magazine Issue 17 on 29/11/2004.

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Years late, but worth the wait?

The new Scottish parliament has been dogged by controversy. But it’s a stunning building set to draw hundreds of thousands of people. Nick Bibby reports

If you’ve heard anything about the new Scottish Parliament building in Edinburgh, it’s likely to be about how much it cost. Admittedly, it’s anywhere between three-and-a-half and 10 times over budget, depending on whose figures you believe, and is more than three years behind schedule regardless of who you listen to.

This has led to much grinding of teeth and beating of chests among the Scottish media and political classes and as the building finally opens, the important question can finally be asked; was it worth it?

In terms of the building itself, the answer seems to be ‘yes’. As the world’s newest parliament building opens for business it is increasingly acknowledged as one of the most significant pieces of British architecture since World War II.

Having more or less swept the board in architectural competitions over the last few months – with comparisons being made to such iconic designs as the Sydney Opera House and the Guggenheim – it’s time for the less rarefied but far more critical eye of the world’s public. Whether visitors to the building will be convinced remains to be seen but, with 700,000 of them expected each year, they certainly seem keen to find out.

Although the new building has been up and running since early September, it wasn’t officially opened by the Queen until 9th October.

Although much of the parliament itself has something of the space age about it, the opening ceremony reflected a pomp and pageantry more reminiscent of the last time the Sco.....

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By Nick Bibby

Section : Best of Scotland

Page number : 42