The Scottish Parliament has now welcomed five million visitors since it opened at Holyrood in 2004. The significant milestone comes during the year of its 20thanniversary celebrations. Continue reading Scottish Parliament welcomes FIVE MILLION visitors
The World Press Photo exhibition, showcasing some of the most powerful images from around the globe, has gone on display at the Scottish Parliament. Continue reading Press Photo exhibition opens at the Scottish Parliament
A free exhibition showcasing some of the most thought-provoking photographs taken over the course of 2018 goes on display at the Scottish Parliament later this month. Continue reading World’s best photojournalism to go on display at the Scottish Parliament
MSPs on the Public Audit and Post-legislative Scrutiny Committee have today said that current dog control legislation isn’t fit for purpose and called on the Scottish Government to undertake a comprehensive review of all dog control laws immediately. Continue reading Dog control legislation not fit for purpose, say MSPs
An app which allows disabled visitors to personalise the assistance they need has been launched at the Scottish Parliament. Continue reading You’re Welcome: New app to help disabled visitors access Holyrood Parliament launched
A new Scottish Parliament inquiry is seeking views on social prescribing’s ability to tackle health and wellbeing issues in people across Scotland. Continue reading Social Prescribing: can it really improve health and wellbeing?
The creation of a Scottish National Investment Bank (SNIB) has been backed unanimously by MSPs on the Economy, Energy and Fair Work Committee who have called for a formal role when it comes to setting the long-term focus of the Bank’s work.
Continue reading MSPs call for formal role in new Scottish bank
Industry leaders should ‘take ownership’ when it comes to tackling longstanding challenges within the construction industry MSPs on the Economy, Energy and Fair Work Committee said today.
The call comes as a result of the Committee’s inquiry into Scotland’s construction sector. Continue reading Holyrood: Industry leaders must ‘take ownership’ in tackling construction challenges
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
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.
