Scottish Secretary Donald Dewar and architect Enric Miralles unveiled the detailed designs in Edinburgh, before an exhibition goes on tour around Scotland.

Donald Dewar: A building "of real significance for the future"

Mr Dewar said the design would give Scotland a building of "real significance for the future".

It would be "practical and efficient" as well as accessible, he said.

The new building will be constructed from steel and concrete while part of the exterior will be stone-clad to reflect its surroundings.

Secret garden

The main part will be a six-storey building containing a large debating chamber.

A feature will be a secret garden hidden behind a high wall running alongside the main entrance.

Mr Dewar pledged the building would stay within the £50m construction budget.

"The parliament will be a focus for the democratic aspirations of Scots and an image of Scotland's new position within the United Kingdom as we move into the 21st century," he said.

"We have selected an architect of imagination and flair, who is creating a building that fully meets the challenge of its dramatic setting at the foot of the Royal Mile and adjacent to Holyrood Park.

New views

"The drawings and models, which go on display today, are the first chance for the public to see the architect's response to the demands of the Scottish Office brief, a specific budget and the unique nature of the site itself."

Enric Miralles: The building will complement its surroundings

Mr Miralles, from Barcelona, said: "We did not produce one large building that would dominate the landscape - we wanted a group of buildings that would grow out of the site as well as complementing its surroundings.

"We also wanted to create new spaces and open up new views to Arthur's Seat and Edinburgh.

"One never knows what the final building will look like until it is built. But from the designs and plans we have here you can get a real sense of how it will reflect and add to its surroundings."

Construction work will begin next summer and will be completed by autumn 2001 when the parliament is set to open.

The exhibition was launched at the Royal Museum in Edinburgh and will visit Inverness, Aberdeen, Dumfries, Selkirk, Dundee and Glasgow.

Mr Miralles was chosen as architect in July after beating off 70 other hopefuls in a competition.