QUEEN AND SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT

Since 1999 Scotland has had two Parliaments: one in Edinburgh for devolved, domestic matters, and the other at Westminster for UK-wide issues.

Scotland had its own Parliament until the Act of Union of 1707, when the Parliament in London took responsibility for legislation in Scotland.

In a referendum on 11 September 1997, a majority of the Scottish public voted in favour of a Scottish Parliament.

The first session was held on 12 May 1999 and the Scottish Parliament was officially opened by The Queen on 1 July 1999 in its temporary building on the Mound in Edinburgh.

The new Scottish Parliament building was formally opened by The Queen on 9 October 2004. The building is sited opposite the Palace of Holyroodhouse and The Queen's Gallery in Edinburgh.

With 129 members (including the Presiding Officer) elected every four years, the Scottish Parliament can introduce primary legislation and is responsible for a portfolio which includes education, health, law, environment, economic development, local government, housing and police. It also has the power to vary the basic rate of income tax by up to three pence in the pound.

Under legislation which established the Scottish Parliament, Members of the Scottish Parliament take the oath of allegiance to the Crown.

The Queen also receives a weekly report from the Scottish Parliament on its business, given its specific legislative role.

The Queen appoints the Scottish First Minister and has regular audiences with him or her to keep up to date with Scottish affairs.

Read The Queen's speech at the opening of the new building for the Scottish Parliament in 2004