Leader: Why Parliament Must Woo Back Disillusioned Public

Summary

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NOT a completion, but a beginning; not an ending, but a renewal: whatever one's view of Scotland's new parliament building, the formal opening today is a noteworthy occasion in the unfolding narrative of devolution. It is the outward and visible expression of the Scotland Act. And the formal opening of this building, long awaited by those, including this newspaper, who campaigned for devolution, should be a defining moment in the changing governance of Scotland.

The progress to this point has been rocky and the building itself controversial. But today should be a showcase for Scotland and an occasion to which we should rise. From the distinctive outline of the parliament's exterior to the stunning drama of the debating chamber, the architect Enrich Miralles has brought a building with three commanding qualities. It is original, it is stimulating and it is unique. By defying the conventions of the Scottish vernacular in so much of its design, it has offended many. Indeed, the jury is out on this building and the public is divided. History will be the judge of its acceptability. But it pays tribute to that imperative for innovation without which Scotland cannot aspire to better times. It does not defer to comfort or complacency. And it is right that its design should have avoided the easy, conventional solution. To move devolution forward we have to move out of the comfort zone.

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Leader: Why Parliament Must Woo Back Disillusioned Public

Seven years on from the referendum and through the turbulent years of the parliament's construction, it might be thought that everything is now known about this building and that it holds no surprises. But today, and tomorrow, it ...

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