The Great Hall, or Parliament Hall, was built by James IV in the late 14th or early 15th century. Described as "the grandest secular building erected in Scotland in the late Middle Ages," it represents the first example of Renaissance-influenced royal architecture in Scotland. A number of English craftsmen worked on the hall, incorporating some English design ideas. The Great Hall is said to be comparable to Edward IV's hall at Eltham Palace, built in the late 1470s. As evidenced by the scaffolding present in this photo, restoration continues on the building.