BBC

The Scottish Parliament building has been given a major accolade by the Royal Institute of British Architects. Holyrood was one of 71 new buildings across the UK and Europe rewarded for their high architectural standards. The building, which cost £431m, will now be included in the long list for the prestigious Stirling prize. The accolade came as the building won in the urban and landscape category of the Royal Fine Art Commission Trust's Building of the Year Awards. It was also shortlisted for the overall Building of the Year 2005 award by the five-member panel.