Holyrood, Edinburgh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Holyrood
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 Taken from Holyrood Park in 2004. From left to right: Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh Castle, Scottish Parliament Building, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Scott Monument, Balmoral Hotel clock tower and Nelson's Monument. |
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 Holyrood
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| OS grid reference | NT267737 |
| Council area |
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| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | EDINBURGH |
| Postcode district | EH8, EH99 |
| Dialling code | 0131 |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament |
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| Scottish Parliament |
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Holyrood (pronounced HOLLY-rood) is a special area in Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland. It sits just east of the city centre, right at the bottom of the famous Royal Mile. This historic place is home to many important buildings and attractions, blending Scotland's past with its present.
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What is Holyrood?
Holyrood is more than just a place on a map. It's where some of Scotland's most important decisions are made. The name "Holyrood" comes from the old Holyrood Abbey, which was called the "Church of the Holy Rude." "Rude" is an old Scots word for "cross," so it means "Holy Cross."
Key Places in Holyrood
Holyrood is packed with interesting sites. Each one tells a part of Scotland's story.
The Scottish Parliament Building
This modern building is where the Scottish Parliament meets. The Parliament makes laws and decisions for Scotland. Because of this, when people talk about "Holyrood" in the news, they often mean the Scottish Government itself. It's like saying "Washington D.C." when you mean the U.S. government.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is a grand royal palace. It is the official home of the King or Queen when they visit Scotland. It has a long history, with many kings and queens living there over the centuries.
Holyrood Abbey Ruins
Next to the palace are the beautiful ruins of Holyrood Abbey. This old church was founded in 1128. It was once a very important place of worship. Today, its ancient stones show how grand it once was.
Holyrood Park
Surrounding the palace and abbey is Holyrood Park. This huge royal park is a wild and beautiful space. It has hills, lochs (lakes), and even an ancient volcano called Arthur's Seat. It's a great place for walking and enjoying nature.
The Queen's Gallery
The Queen's Gallery is part of the Holyroodhouse complex. It used to be a church. Now, it's an art gallery that displays amazing artworks from the Royal Collection. These are pieces owned by the Royal Family.
Dynamic Earth
Dynamic Earth is a fantastic visitor attraction and science centre. It's Scotland's largest interactive museum. Here, you can learn all about the Earth's history, from the Big Bang to the present day. It's a fun and educational experience for everyone.
Living and Working in Holyrood
Besides these famous landmarks, Holyrood also has homes, small shops, and government offices. It's a busy area where people live, work, and visit. It truly is a mix of history, politics, and modern life.
