Hi to all, In May 2004 I was fortunate to visit the new Scottish Parliament and sit in the Debating Chamber, and to me it was a deeply moving experience. Parliament was not operating due to the election and the building was very controversial. The building was certainly unique but, I had no problem with the design, it was the "Scottish Parliament" restored after 300 years that mattered to me. I thought of Andrew Fletcher, he was the main character in Nigel's book, The Patriot. He was very much against the " Union". At least one of my ancestors had sat in King Robert the Bruce's first parliament. Next week there will be another election and I wonder what the outcome will be for Scotland? I will be making another pilgrimage to that edifice the during following week.
I have attached some photographs that I took on my first visit
Hello Andrew, once again, nice photos, what a great way to give things a lift, you mentioned Andrew Fletcher, Niall sent me a history paper on him, a fair dinkum Patriot.
I like the photos, Andrew, particularly the debating hall. Doen't look half as bad as it does in the little brochure Dot sent me couple of years ago - but the I'm a modern in spite of being a few days short of 82. I believe the neighbours refer to us as the people in the modern house - disparagingly. I designed it with a flat roof as I didn't want my husband climbing up there in declinig years. The only slope is a clerestory to let north sun into the Kitchen. yes. North, we live upside down-under. I'd hate to see a new parliament in mock gothic or mock classical Greek or Roman. Aussied Pom
Thanks for the comments Rab. Yes I thought it timely to put a post about Scotland and an important part of current scene. I am a history buff but I despair for Scotland as there is a lot of apathy about our past. Living in the USA one sees a big difference with attitude towards who they are. Patriotism is to the fore and history not forgotten. I noticed that I duplicated one photo of the debating chamber. I like the " Bar Scene'' and I hope one day to enoy a beer with, maybe also weedam or two, is the beer a " homebrew"?
