The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh undertook a series of engagements in Scotland for the annual 'Holyrood Week', when Her Majesty and His Royal Highness take up residence in the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Following tradition, The Queen first took part in the Ceremony of the Keys during which the City Chamberlain presents the keys of the city of Edinburgh to Her Majesty as a sign of respect, welcoming her to 'your ancient and hereditary kingdom of Scotland'.
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The Queen at the Ceremony of the Keys in Edinburgh
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The next day, Her Majesty and His Royal Highness attended the opening of the third session of the Scottish Parliament. The event began as the ancient crown of Scotland was taken in procession down Edinburgh's Royal Mile, accompanied by the Scots Guards, pipes and drums. The crown was first worn in a Coronation by the infant Mary Queen of Scots.
The procession involved over 1,000 people from all walks of Scottish life, from members of the public involved in charity and community work, to well-known faces from the world of sport and entertainment, including Sir Sean Connery. The aim was to revive the traditional procession which signified the start of each parliamentary session, and took place until the Treaty of Union of 1707.
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Her Majesty watches the celebrations with First Minister Alex Salmond
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The Queen watched the procession alongside First Minister Alex Salmond.
Once inside the Scottish Parliament building, Her Majesty spoke to the assembled MSPs and guests, mentioning the Royal Family's affection for Scotland before returning to the significance of the day's events:
'Today, in true Scottish style, you will walk with the people and party with the people.
As you move into your third parliamentary session and a new form of politics, I am confident that the Scottish people will be at the heart of the business of this session as you keep on walking with them and together build a better and more sustainable future for this great land.'
The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh remained in the Scottish capital for the weekend before visiting Dundee at the beginning of the following week. Her Majesty opened a new Education and Social Work Building at the University of Dundee before attending a Thanksgiving Service in the University Chapel to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the granting of the University's Royal Charter.
The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh later visited the Shore youth centre, re-opened Baxter Park and Pavilion and visited the Sensation Science Centre and HM Frigate UNICORN.
Later in the week, The Queen helped celebrate the 60th anniversary of one of Scotland's historic army units: the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. Her Majesty was welcomed to Stirling Castle with a Guard of Honour and met the battalion's mascot - a Shetland pony named Cruachan III. She also spent time in the Argyll and Sutherland Museum, which houses new displays illustrating the soldiers' active service in Iraq.
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The Queen meets guests at the Garden Party
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Her Majesty and His Royal Highness played host to over 8,000 guests the following day, with an Investiture and Garden Party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Those collecting honours included author Alexander McCall Smith and retired milkman George Bell, who worked the same round in East Lothian for 34 years.
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Her Majety meets singer Paolo Nutini at the reception at the Palace of Holyroodhouse
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The next day, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh held a reception at the Palace of Holyroodhouse for people who have made a significant contribution to Scottish life. Guests included singer Paolo Nutini and actor Brian Cox who said of the day:
"It's a great honour to be here. As I get older I get more and more fond of Scotland, so I'm delighted, really.
I feel particularly strong about Edinburgh because I regard it as my spiritual home."
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The Queen meets well-wishers in Haddington, East-Lothian
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Holyrood week ended with visits to Earl Haig Gardens in Edinburgh and St. Mary's Collegiate Church and Apple House in Haddington before The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh returned to London.
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