About the Scottish Parliament

Queensberry House is a large town house built in the 17th century. It is the oldest part of the Scottish Parliament.

Once home to the dukes of Queensberry, this was one of the largest homes in the country at the time. It was a symbol of the family’s political power.

Over time the house became a military hospital and barracks and, by the end of the 19th century, a house of refuge, or poor house. Included and incorporated into the new Parliament design, Queensberry House has become a house of politics again. It includes the office of the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament.