28 May 2002: The Queen addresses the Scottish Parliament sitting in Aberdeen and undertakes engagements in Dundee

The Queen made an historic address to the Scottish Parliament, sitting in Aberdeen, during a day of enagements in the east of Scotland. The address was the first time a Head of State has addressed a formal session of any British parliament.

In her historic speech, The Queen reflected on the words of the late Donald Dewar, first minister during the inauguration ceremony for the Scottish Parliament in 1999, who, she said, "recognised, of course, that Scotland was never going to build a new political culture overnight".

The Queen stressed the importance of allowing new political institutions to develop, and for members of the public to remain engaged in political processes. She commented: "There is much concern these days about public disengagement from the political process. As this legislature refines - carefully and over time - its new forms of governance and its devolved responsibilities within the United Kingdom, the way you share power will be the key to connecting the people with their parliament."

The Queen also expressed her faith that Scotland would continue to play a key part in wider political settings: "In this age of new constitutional relationships - of unity based on diversity - I value the distinctive contribution that Scotland is making to strengthen the bonds that link the nations and regions of the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and Europe."

Jack McConnell, Scotland's First Minister, replied on behalf of the Parliament, giving a frank appraisal of the Scottish character. He acknowledged: "Since 1999 we have had many good days, but we have had some bad days too - and there will be more of both to come. But this young parliament has grown and we will grow still, serving Scotland."

The First Minister also thanked the Queen for her "service" to Scotland and declared: "It is our honour to re-dedicate ourselves in your presence, to carrying forward our work."

The Scottish Parliament was temporarily sitting at King's College at Aberdeen University, while the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland occupied its customary home on the Mound in Edinburgh.

Earlier in the morning The Queen and Prince Philip attended the 'Aberdeen - Our City' celebration in the city's Duthie Park. The Royal party spent almost an hour touring the park, watching a range of activities staged by more than 100 groups and organisations in the city, from Brownies and Guides to veterans of the Auxiliary Territorial Service with which the Queen served during the Second World War.

The Queen was especially interested in a three-month-old Highland bull calf, abandoned by his mother, commenting on how unusual it was for Highland cattle to abandon their young.

From Aberdeen it was on to Dundee. Known for three J's - jam, jute and journalism - the city had a fourth for the afternoon: Jubilee. The Queen and Prince Philip began their visit with separate engagements. The Queen officially opened the Space, the new building for the Scottish School of Contemporary Dance. Prince Philip in the meantime visited Dundee University's Wellcome Trust Biocentre. They joined up again to attend a Reception at City Chambers, Dundee, and meet local people in a walkabout in the City Square.

The Queen and Prince Philip then returned to Edinburgh, ready for the final day of their Scottish tour in the Borders. In the evening The Duke of Edinburgh attended a dinner at The New Club on Princes Street.

Read the text of The Queen's address to the Scottish Parliament (pdf, 160kB)