Scottish Parliament in the Dock?

The Members of the Scottish Parliament have reconvened at an emergency session at Holyrood to debate the decision taken by Kenny MacAskill, the Scottish Justice Minister, to release Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al-Megrahi. Mr MacAskill decision to release al-Megrahi, the man convicted of being the Lockerbie bomber, has provoked outrage around the world. The bomb placed aboard Pan Am Flight 103 killed 270 people.

In addition to antagonising and upsetting the families of the bereaved, the decision has served to expose some of the frailties in the relationship between the devolved Government in Edinburgh and Westminster.

The Westminster Parliament retains a number of 'reserved matters' over which only it can legislate. These include the UK's membership of the European Union, immigration issues, taxation, social security, foreign policy, and certain issues relating to transport, defence and national security. Devolved matters which the Scottish Executive can legislate on include: agriculture, fisheries and forestry, economic development, education, health, housing and planning.

Political commentators have been quick to point out that this is the most serious challenge that the Scottish Parliament has faced since it was re-established ten years ago.

Many critics and comedians have long belittled the Scottish Parliament, which Billy Connolly dubbed a "wee pretendy parliament".

Visitors to the Scottish capital can learn more about the new Scottish Parliament with the Royal Mile & More, Edinburgh travel guide. Unlike a conventional guided tour, listeners to the Royal Mile & More audio guide have the freedom to stop, start and listen again to any part of their commentary. To hear an audio sample from the tour please click here.

The new Scottish Parliament building was officially opened by the Queen on October 9, 2004. The building, or complex, is impressive, though it has not been without its problems.

The building's architect, the late Enric Mirralles, drew inspiration from upturned boats, landscape and paintings. The picture top left was taken outside the public entrance to the Scottish Parliament.

Listeners can buy one tour and get a second free by entering the following promotional code in the shopping basket page: BI123.