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1 July 2011
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The Queen officially marked the fourth session of the Scottish Parliament
The Queen has addressed the Scottish Parliament at the royal opening of its fourth session.
She told MSPs at Holyrood that the parliament was now firmly established as an integral part of Scottish life.
Her majesty delivered her speech to politicians and dignitaries in the parliament's main chamber, in a ceremony also featuring music and poetry.
It was followed by the traditional Riding event.
The procession down the Royal Mile to the parliament, features 1,500 politicians, performers, members of the public and "local heroes" nominated by MSPs.
During her speech, the queen told the parliament: "No-one would ever argue that Scottish politics is the business of the meek, the passive or the faint-hearted.
She continued: "As a close observer of every stage of this Parliament's life, I remain confident that you will manage to discharge your duty diligently and competently."
Scottish First Minister and SNP leader Alex Salmond also addressed her majesty and the chamber.
Continue reading the main story “Start Quote
Mr Salmond said: "Scotland, and Parliament, have changed since you first came to congratulate our newly-democratised nation in 1999.
"We have grown in esteem and ambition and we wish to grow more.
"This is a country increasingly comfortable in its own skin.
"We aspire to be more successful, more dynamic, fairer and greener."
Ahead of the ceremony, the Scottish Parliament's new presiding officer, Trisha Marwick told BBC Scotland the new political make-up of the Holyrood chamber - an overall SNP majority - would not make any difference to the the warm welcome the Queen would receive.
As well as speeches in the main chamber, guests were treated to a performance of Robert Burns' "Now Westlin Winds", by award-winning folk singer Karine Polwart, and the reading of a specially-written poem by Scots Makar Liz Lochhead, entitled "Opening the Doors Again!".
The Riding, which is intended to symbolise the parliament's connection with the people of Scotland, includes performers such as the Dollar Academy Juvenile Pipe Band and African singers.
There is also an afternoon of free entertainment at Holyrood, featuring choirs, orchestras, and contemporary bands, including Crayons and French Wives.
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Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play.The Queen officially marked the fourth session of the Scottish Parliament
The Queen has addressed the Scottish Parliament at the royal opening of its fourth session.
She told MSPs at Holyrood that the parliament was now firmly established as an integral part of Scottish life.
Her majesty delivered her speech to politicians and dignitaries in the parliament's main chamber, in a ceremony also featuring music and poetry.
It was followed by the traditional Riding event.
The procession down the Royal Mile to the parliament, features 1,500 politicians, performers, members of the public and "local heroes" nominated by MSPs.
During her speech, the queen told the parliament: "No-one would ever argue that Scottish politics is the business of the meek, the passive or the faint-hearted.
She continued: "As a close observer of every stage of this Parliament's life, I remain confident that you will manage to discharge your duty diligently and competently."
Scottish First Minister and SNP leader Alex Salmond also addressed her majesty and the chamber.
Continue reading the main story “Start Quote
Scotland, and Parliament, have changed since you first came to congratulate our newly-democratised nation in 1999”
End Quote
Alex Salmond MSP
First Minister
Mr Salmond said: "Scotland, and Parliament, have changed since you first came to congratulate our newly-democratised nation in 1999.
"We have grown in esteem and ambition and we wish to grow more.
"This is a country increasingly comfortable in its own skin.
"We aspire to be more successful, more dynamic, fairer and greener."
Ahead of the ceremony, the Scottish Parliament's new presiding officer, Trisha Marwick told BBC Scotland the new political make-up of the Holyrood chamber - an overall SNP majority - would not make any difference to the the warm welcome the Queen would receive.
As well as speeches in the main chamber, guests were treated to a performance of Robert Burns' "Now Westlin Winds", by award-winning folk singer Karine Polwart, and the reading of a specially-written poem by Scots Makar Liz Lochhead, entitled "Opening the Doors Again!".
The Riding, which is intended to symbolise the parliament's connection with the people of Scotland, includes performers such as the Dollar Academy Juvenile Pipe Band and African singers.
There is also an afternoon of free entertainment at Holyrood, featuring choirs, orchestras, and contemporary bands, including Crayons and French Wives.
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