The Scottish Parliament is responsible for legislation concerning health, education, housing, economic development, regional transport, the environment, and agriculture. The leading parliamentary party or coalition elects a first minister, who heads the Scottish Executive (the word government was avoided so as to preserve ultimate authority in the Westminster Parliament), which implements Scottish legislation. Directly below this tier of government is the City of Edinburgh Council, whose members are elected to four-year terms and implement Scottish laws at the local level. The council oversees services such as local planning, education, social services, housing, roadways and traffic, fire fighting, sanitation, parks and recreation, libraries, city museums, and elections.
Grassmarket-district-below-Edinburgh-CastleGrassmarket district below Edinburgh Castle.[Credits : Chad Ehlers—Stock Connection/Jupiterimages]
Edinburgh-CastleEdinburgh Castle.[Credits : Sandro Vannini/Corbis]
View-from-Calton-Hill-EdinburghView from Calton Hill, Edinburgh.[Credits : Doug Corrance—Taxi/Getty Images]
The-exterior-of-the-Palace-of-Holyroodhouse-Edinburgh-ScotThe exterior of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, Scot.[Credits : Francesca Yorke—Impact Photos/Heritage-Images]
Scott-Monument-in-Princes-Street-Gardens-EdinburghScott Monument in Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh.[Credits : age fotostock/SuperStock]
The-Philippe-Genty-Company-performs-Derives-at-the-annual-EdinburghThe Philippe Genty Company performs Dérives at the annual …[Credits : Robbie Jack/Corbis]
Edinburgh-Castle-in-ScotlandEdinburgh Castle in Scotland.[Credits : © Digital Vision/Getty Images]
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