Earlier this month visitor figures to the new Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh went through the 100,000 barrier with an average of 1500 people visiting every day.  

This response from the people of Scotland and tourists is not only good news for the politicians but also for Scottish craft.

The majority of publicity about the new building has focused on the visual arts and architecture; however, there are also several specially commissioned pieces of Scottish craft on display.

• A tapestry by Maureen Hodge, incorporating hidden words, hangs in the MSP Garden Lobby. 
• A textile installation of 18 silk organza panels combining hand painting and digital printing by Norma Starszakowna can be seen on the curved wall of the MSP’s Concourse. 
• A silver sculpture by Graham Stewart is on display at the entrance.
• Stonecarvers Gillian Forbes and Martin Reilly collaborated on the the Canongate Wall which forms part of the boundary wall at the MSP entrance.
• David Colwell designed an oak and sycamore information and reception desk.
• Gary Breeze lettercut steel and stone texts at the threshold to Queenberry House.

These artworks were not simply bought from an artist, but were specially commissioned for different spaces, adding a particular resonance to the building. 

Our first feature on Scottish craft in the new building reveals the key to the secret texts woven in Maureen Hodge’s tapestry and the themes and ideas behind this first phase of the artwork programme.

Future features will explore the inspiration and processes behind Graham Stewart’s silver sculpture ‘The Honours of Scotland’ and reveal the year long project which created the stonecarving in the Canongate Wall.

The Scottish Parliament building is open free of charge to the public all year round.

Places on specialised guided tours are also available for booking for up until Christmas and into 2005. 

Find more information on visiting at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/vli/visitingHolyrood/index.htm