The Queen sealed the establishment of the first Scottish Parliament since 1707 by opening the new Holyrood Scottish Parliament building in Edinburgh and joining in with the numerous entertainments and events which marked the occasion.
It was a day which celebrated diversity; mixing traditional pageantry with modern entertainment, seeing dignitaries walking alongside community leaders and young and old lining the streets to show their enthusiasm and support for a new era in Scottish parliamentary history.
The Queen praised the architecture of the new building and reminded politicians of their duties in taking inspiration from the building to serve their people, "It is now your responsibility in their service to take advantage of everything that this remarkable building has to offer - channelling aspirations, resolving conflicting views, moulding the future of Scotland."
The day began when The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh left the Palace of Holyroodhouse for the drive to Parliament Hall. There they were officially welcomed with speeches by the leaders of the Scottish political parties, in a ceremonial event which reflected the historic change in the political landscape over the past 300 years. After the ceremony, they met members of the Scottish Youth Theatre who provided one of the highlights of the day's entertainment with their re-enactment of pre-1707 Scotland outside St Giles Cathedral. The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh then met onlookers as they walked down the Royal Mile to a dais outside the City Chambers, when the celebrations really began in earnest with the Riding.
The Riding marked the centuries-old Scots tradition of Parliament and people walking together, and was an updated recreation of the processions which took place during the opening of Scottish parliaments before they were abolished in the 18th century. Each Member of the Scottish Parliament who took part was asked to nominate the individual from their constituency who they felt had done most for the public good. These people took part in the Riding alongside schoolchildren and civic representatives from throughout Scotland as well as Speakers and Presidents from parliaments in the United Kingdom, Europe and the Commonwealth. Some famous faces were there too, including Sean Connery who spoke of his pride in taking part in the celebrations, "I feel enormously privileged to have witnessed and taken part in such a historic day." The 1,000 strong group of marchers were followed by the crown of Scotland, and the Presiding Officer and First Minister walking together down to the new Parliament building. Overhead, there was a fly-past by an RAF Nimrod.
Thousands of spectators lined the Royal Mile and congregated around the Parliament in a display of national pride. The crowds were entertained by a packed programme of cultural events organised by the Scottish Parliament which reflected the best of Scottish performing arts. There was something for all ages, from traditional Scottish entertainment to performances which drew inspiration from across the globe. They included C Ian An Drumma, an energetic and rhythmic band from Glasgow, and poetry recitals from members of the World Burns Federation.
The Queen then entered the new parliament building to the sound of Fanfare for the Common Man by Aaron Copeland. After a tour of the Parliament which took in the Allowances Office, the Donald Dewar room and an MSP's office, The Queen entered the Chamber for the formal opening ceremony.
After an address by George Reid, the Presiding Officer and a psalm sung in Gaelic, she made her speech, making reference to the crowds she had just witnessed:
"These communities, Scotland's people, are its enduring strength. At a time when politicians around the world wonder how to draw closer to those they represent, I was particularly moved this morning by watching all who proudly made their way down the Royal Mile, people from every walk of Scottish life."
The Queen then heard performances from Nicola Benedetti, a Scottish teenage violinist who won the BBC Young Musician of the Year award and a specially composed song by the singer-songwriter Eddi Reader. The First Minister then gave a speech before another composition for the ceremony, a poem by Edwin Morgan (a winner of The Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry in 2000) was read out. The occasion ended with the singing of Auld Lang Syne by the audience of MSPs and other dignitaries, including The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh.
Following the ceremony, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh met guests and staff at the Parliament before unveiling a new 'Honours of Scotland' sculpture to mark the end of what was a joyful, celebratory day for the people of Scotland as a new parliamentary chapter was opened for their country.
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