Megrahi Debate in Scottish Parliament Building

Lockerbie Bomber Discussed in Controversial Building

Aug 26, 2009

The debate over the Lockerbie Bomber's release was conducted in a building which caused a great deal of controversy itself. Soaring designs were matched by soaring costs.

In July 1999, Dr Winnie Ewing opened the Scottish Parliament with the words, 'The Scottish Parliament, adjourned on the 25th day of March in the year 1707, is hereby reconvened.'

The Union of the Parliaments of England and Scotland in 1707 meant that all parliamentary business was thereafter conducted in London. It was not until Scotland achieved some degree of devolution from the UK in 1998 that it once again it was able to have its own parliament.

New Scottish Parliament Building

It wa decided that a new Parliament Building be built and a site at the foot of the Royal Mile, near to the Palace of Holyroodhouse was chosen. The renowned Spanish architect, Enric Miralles, won the competition to design the new building. Unfortunately he died in July, 2000, before the building was completed.

Enric Miralles' Design

The Parliament is actually a collection of low-lying buildings blending into the surroundings of the Canongate on one side and the open spaces towards Salisbury Crags and the volcanic plug known as Arthur's Seat on the other. Miralles described his design as 'sitting in the land'. The Garden Lobby has roofs in the shape of leaves while the roofs of the five towers are said to resemble the upturned hulls of boats.

Soaring Costs of Scottish Parliament

The new Parliament building was finally opened on October 9, 2004 by the Queen, three years behind schedule and many times over budget. Originally estimated to cost between £10 million and £40 million, its final cost came in at around £414 million. A public inquiry into the soaring costs and long delays was led by Lord Fraser in 2003 and concluded that the management of the project had been to blame.

Debate over Release of Megrahi

The debate over the release of the Lockerbie Bomber was held in the Debating Chamber, which is shaped like a shallow ellipse and where the ruling party, currently the Scottish National Party, sit in the centre of the semi-circle with the opposition parties on either side. This is similar to some European legislatures but in complete contrast to the House of Commons in London.

The Justice Secretary, Kenny MacAskill, gave his statement from his desk in the front row of the assembly. Each desk and seat is made from oak and sycamore and has a lectern, microphone and speakers and is fitted with the electronic voting equipment used by the Members.

Watched by members of the public from the galleries above, the debate once more brought controversy to the Parliament building.

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