Scottish Parliament

This elevated portrait looks down over the dramatic Scottish Parliament building. Architect Enric Miralles’ bold and entirely unique building and its sculpted landscape spreads out in the early morning light at the foot of the Royal Mile. Opened in 2004, this is the home of the Scottish Parliament and the building is freely accessible to the public. The vantage involves a moderate uphill walk along the Crags path but long before you reach the highest point of the route so that the monuments on Calton Hill stay in the frame.

A clear, bright day in any season suits this cityscape, though early morning brings warm light. Beyond midday the light moves away from the facade of the building. A polarising filter when the sun is higher in the sky will help deepen the colour of the sky and give more punch to the greens in the foreground and distant Calton Hill. WARNING: Beware of the cliff edge. All views can be safely taken from the main paths without any need to endanger yourself.