University of St Andrews

Virtual tour of Parliament Hall

Parliament Hall, along with the Senate Room, is among the most historically significant state rooms of the University of St Andrews. Both are located on the site of the College of St John, the University's earliest building.

Work began on building Parliament Hall in 1612-1618 and was completed in 1643. The room was originally called the University's 'Public School' and was used for classes and examinations. It was renamed 'Parliament Hall' after the Scottish Parliament sat here in 1645-1646 due to an outbreak of plague in Edinburgh and other Scottish cities. This room contains a copy, commissioned by Lord Bute, of the chair used by the Presiding Officer when the Scottish Parliament met here.

Today, Parliament Hall is mainly used for debates, meetings and conferences. During semester times, the University's Debating Society - the oldest in the world - meets here every week.