Parliament of Scotland facts for kids

Parliament House in Edinburgh was where the Parliament of Scotland met for many years until 1707.

The Parliament of Scotland, also known as the Estates of Parliament, was the main law-making body for the independent Kingdom of Scotland. It helped govern Scotland for centuries.

Unlike some modern parliaments that have two parts (like the House of Commons and House of Lords in the UK), the Parliament of Scotland had only one main group of members. It was first mentioned in the early 1200s. The first known meeting happened in 1235, when Alexander II of Scotland was king.

This important parliament was also called the Estates of Scotland, the Three Estates, or the Scots Parliament. It continued to meet and make laws until the Acts of Union 1707 in 1707. These Acts joined Scotland with England to form the Kingdom of Great Britain.

What Was the Parliament of Scotland?

The Parliament of Scotland was a group of people who represented different parts of Scottish society. Their main job was to help the King or Queen make laws and decide on important matters for the country. They discussed taxes, justice, and how Scotland should be run.

Who Were the Members?

The Parliament was made up of three main groups, often called the "Estates":

• First Estate: The clergy, which included bishops and abbots (leaders of monasteries).
• Second Estate: The nobles, who were powerful lords and landowners.
• Third Estate: The burgh commissioners, who represented the main towns (called burghs) in Scotland.

These groups would meet together to discuss and vote on new laws and policies.

Where Did They Meet?

In its early days, the Parliament met in different places across Scotland. Often, they would meet at Scone Abbey near Perth, which was a very important historical site.

Later, as the Parliament grew, it needed a more permanent home. From 1438 to 1560, they often met at the Old Tolbooth in Edinburgh. After that, from 1563 to 1639, St Giles' Kirk in Edinburgh became a common meeting place.

Finally, in 1639, a special building called Parliament House was completed in Edinburgh. This grand building became the main home for the Parliament of Scotland until it stopped meeting in 1707.

How Did It Work?

The Parliament of Scotland played a big role in the country's history. It could challenge the King, approve taxes, and even decide who would be the next monarch. Members would often arrive in a grand procession called the "Riding of Parliament" before their meetings.

Over time, the Parliament's power grew. It became a strong voice for the Scottish people and helped shape the laws and future of the nation.

The End of the Parliament

The Parliament of Scotland met for the last time in 1707. This was because of the Acts of Union 1707. These Acts created a new country called Great Britain, and a new single Parliament was formed in London. This new Parliament would represent both Scotland and England.

Even though the Parliament of Scotland ended in 1707, its history is a very important part of Scotland's past. It shows how Scotland was governed for many centuries before becoming part of Great Britain.

Images for kids

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  Scone and its Moot hill were early meeting places for the Parliament.

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  The Old Tolbooth in Edinburgh was a common meeting place from 1438 to 1560.

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  St Giles' Kirk was used for Parliament meetings from 1563 to 1639.

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  A drawing from around 1685 showing the "Riding of Parliament," a procession of members.

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  Parliament House in the 18th century, after the Parliament had stopped meeting there.

See also

In Spanish: Parlamento de Escocia para niños