In November 2004 Robertson was the first, and to date, only writer-in-residence at the newly opened Scottish Parliament building. The appointment was for three days only and was negotiated by Scottish Book Trust with the Parliament. On each day Robertson delivered a 'masterclass' on different aspects of the relationship between Scottish literature and politics. These later became three essays which were published, along with eleven sonnets reflecting his experience of the new building, in "Voyage of Intent: Sonnets and Essays from the Scottish Parliament" (Luath/Scottish Book Trust, 2005).