The (Temporary) Scottish Parliament

These, I believe, are the Assembly Rooms of the Church of Scotland, which - during our stay at least - served as the temporary home for the Scottish Parliament until the completion of its more modernistic headquarters down near Holyrood Palace. These buildings, to my eyes, look more like a parliament than the new place does - but who am I to judge? The eventual home of the Scottish Parliament is very craggy and discordant looking, with an almost makeshift air. "Modern architecture" with a vengeance. Yet, the Borderers themselves led a very makeshift existence, contenting themselves with thrown-together hovels in lieu of more substantial dwellings that the English might have burned down anyway. Perhaps the new Parliament reflects the spirit of those pragmatic and scrappy times.