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Tag: Politics
Holyrood Twenty Years On: Donald Dewar’s opening speech
1st July 1999
First Minister Donald Dewar said Scotland should rejoice at the opening of its new parliament and asked that people spare a special thought to peace negotiations in Northern Ireland.
This is the full text of his address in Parliament Hall ahead of the official opening: Continue reading Holyrood Twenty Years On: Donald Dewar’s opening speech
Alcohol and Drug Partnership waiting times must improve, says Briggs
Lothian MSP Miles Briggs has raised concerns with SNP Ministers about waiting times for Alcohol and Drug Partnerships in Lothian, following latest ISD figures for the quarter ending 31st March 2019. Continue reading Alcohol and Drug Partnership waiting times must improve, says Briggs
Happy birthday, Scottish Parliament!
The full line-up has been announced for today’s ceremony celebrating the Scottish Parliament’s 20th Anniversary.
The first part of the day will see Her Majesty The Queen address Parliament. The Queen will be accompanied by His Royal Highness The Duke of Rothesay.
This will be followed by a fun packed afternoon for all the family. The doors of the Scottish Parliament will be opened to everyone to explore with a huge range of free events and entertainment.
Her Majesty The Queen’s Address to Parliament: 11.00 am – 12.00 pm
Order of Ceremony
Her Majesty The Queen will be preceded into the Chamber by:
• The Scottish Parliament’s Mace
• Royal Company of Archers.
• The Crown of Scotland borne by the Duke of Hamilton and Brandon, escorted by the Lord Lyon King of Arms and the Captain-General
Fanfare for Elizabeth, Her Majesty The Queen, composed and conducted by John Wallace CBE and performed by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Brass Ensemble, will play on The Queen’s arrival in the Chamber.
This will be followed by the welcome from the Presiding Officer
Her Majesty The Queen addresses the Scottish Parliament
Performance The Bonnie Banks O’ Loch Lomon’ arranged by D M Gardner
Conducted by Mark Evans and performed by The National Youth Choir of Scotland Chamber Choir.
First Minister responds followed by Ruth Davidson MSP
Poem THE LONG VIEW written and performed by Jackie Kay, Scots Makar accompanied by Lewis McCaskill, Scottish Youth Theatre performing in Gaelic, Suzanne Bonnar singing and Moira Anne McAuslan performing in BSL (BSL translation by Amy Cheskin)
Richard Leonard MSP responds.
Performance Farewell to Govan composed by Phil Cunningham
Arranged and conducted by John Logan, Head of Brass and performed by Braw Brass accompanied by Phil Cunningham, Artistic Director of Traditional Music and Jenn Butterworth, Lecturer in Practical Studies The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
Patrick Harvie MSP responds followed by Tavish Scott MSP
Song Ae Fond Kiss by Robert Burns arranged by Donald Shaw and Kevin McCrae
Sung by Karen Matheson accompanied by Donald Shaw on piano and the Harvey String Quartet.
The Presiding Officer closes the meeting of Parliament and the Scottish Parliament’s Piper Stuart McMillan MSP plays A Man’s a Man for a’ That by Robert Burns to mark The Queen’s departure.
From 3pm, the Parliament will open its doors to the people of Scotland for an afternoon of celebration and commemoration. Everyone is invited to join the Parliament in marking its 20th birthday at this unique event.
Looking back at two decades of achievements, there will be live music from across the eras, from a wide range of performers; retro games, face painting and lots more.
Looking forward to the next 20 years we will also have a future-focused area showcasing technology of the future and environmental priorities for protecting Scotland’s natural environment.
The event is free and unticketed but you can RSVP on Facebook to stay updated.
MSP hails ‘radical move’ to tackle child poverty
Local MSP Gordon Macdonald has heaped praise on the SNP’s announcement of a new social benefit designed to lift children across Scotland out of poverty. Continue reading MSP hails ‘radical move’ to tackle child poverty
Pulling together for MND: Party leaders unite at Holyrood
Party leaders from across political lines have joined together at the Scottish Parliament to renew their support for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and the charity MND Scotland. Continue reading Pulling together for MND: Party leaders unite at Holyrood
Briggs backs Stockbridge Duck Race
Lothian MSP Miles Briggs has tabled a motion noting the 30th annual Stockbridge Duck Race that will take place next weekend. Continue reading Briggs backs Stockbridge Duck Race
Brexit: Unheard Voices – consultation report published
The results of a consultation carried out across Scotland on the impact of Brexit has been published in a new report. Brexit: Unheard Voices brings together the views of 13 groups on preparing for the UK leaving the EU. Continue reading Brexit: Unheard Voices – consultation report published
21,000 over-75s in Edinburgh set to lose free TV Licence
UK GOVT UNDER PRESSURE TO ACT AS TORIES HAMMER OLDER PEOPLE
Around 21,408 people in Edinburgh will be hit by the Tory government’s decision to scrap the free TV licence for over-75s, new figures have revealed. Continue reading 21,000 over-75s in Edinburgh set to lose free TV Licence
Major new initiative to get more women into politics
A new initiative has been announced by an alliance of women’s organisations and the Scottish Parliament in a move to tackle the gender imbalance in Scottish politics. Continue reading Major new initiative to get more women into politics







