Russell Findlay has now spoken, in his his first speech since being elected Scottish Tory leader yesterday.

He says the "present and future" must concern MSPs, not just past achievements. He says too many people "feel this chamber is detached from their everyday lives" and that it should "realign" with the public.

He concludes by saying that his party will work with others to deliver quality public services and to ensure that everyone can build a "happy and rewarding life".

John Swinney tells the chamber he hopes that, in the next quarter of a century, Scotland's democratic institutions continue to evolve and to break new ground.

"I hope that Scotland will continue to shine as a beacon of enlightenment across stormy seas," the first minister adds.

"We give thanks for this solid and permanent parliament. We now look ahead to unleash the possibilities for Scotland."

The first minister has been listing some of the Scottish parliament's achievements over the years.

He says it has been "at the heart of the nation", and that it has made the country a fairer society.

"Love could truly prevail" he says, describing equal marriage laws being passed.

He then mentions the author James Robertson's words, regarding Parliament not being a building but a "voyage of intent".

There has been a stirring performance of An t-Iarla Diùrach / Innis Dhòmhsa Cà’il Thu Cadal? / Biodag Dhò’ll ‘ic Alasdair arranged by Sileas Sinclair, conducted by Joy Dunlop and performed by Còisir Alba

First Minister John Swinney then begins his speech in Gaelic before switching back to English, saying: "Today we mark 25 years in which the Scottish Parliament has changed lives for the better."

The first minister says for a quarter of a century MSPs have stood for "inclusion and cohesion".

After praising the Parliament's work, the King adds "there is much more to be done", pointing to climate change issues and biodiversity as he looks ahead to "the next chapter" for the Parliament.

The King concludes by saying that he has a "heartfelt appreciation" for the public service done by MSPs.

King Charles turns to his personal perspective and says Scotland has always had a "uniquely special place in the hearts of my family and myself".

He says his beloved grandmother was proudly Scottish and adds his late mother loved her time at Balmoral and points out the late Queen chose to spend her final days there.

The King speaks about the "extraordinary diversity" in Scotland, saying the range of ideas and beliefs in the country "never cease to inspire me".

He namechecks the Borders, Ayrshire, cities and coastal communities, among other locations.

"Who could fail to be moved by this complex, Caledonian kaleidoscope," he declares.

The King turns to the parliamentary mace which was gifted by the late Queen.

He quotes the inscription of "Wisdom, Justice, Compassion and Integrity" on the mace and says: "Those most Scottish of values have remained steadfast."

The King begins his speech by saying the Parliament's opening in 1999 reflected a a "new dawn" for the country. He describes it as an "extraordinary occasion".

He describes the Parliament as being a "great, almost daunting" prospect for MSPs when it opened but that it has "borne witness to the enduring relationship between the Parliament, the crown and the people of Scotland".

"Your Majesty, I now invite you to address the Scottish Parliament," concludes the presiding officer.

His Majesty The King will now respond to the presiding officer’s remarks and address the Scottish Parliament.

The presiding officer opens the meeting of Parliament and formally welcomes the King and Queen.

Alison Johnstone speaks the first sentence in Gaelic and in sign language.

She says: "It is my pleasure to welcome your Majesties today.

"It is hard to believe that it was indeed 25 years ago that the late Queen declared the Parliament open.

"Your Majesty, you were there that day and witnessed the excitement, hopes and aspirations of the people of Scotland in their reconvened Parliament."

We've just heard the Fanfare for the Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of the Scottish Parliament composed by John Wallace CBE, conducted by John Logan and performed by The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Brass Ensemble.

The King and Queen are now meeting the leaders of Scotland's political parties, starting with the First Minister John Swinney.

They are then introduced to the Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay, who only took on the role yesterday, before Scottish Labour's Anas Sarwar, Lorna Slater of the Scottish Greens and Alex Cole-Hamilton of the Liberal Democrats all get to have a word with the monarch.

The King and Queen have arrived at the Queensberry House entrance to the Scottish Parliament on the Royal Mile, where they are met by Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone who will escort the King and Queen into the parliament.

Glenn Campbell
BBC Scotland Political Editor

Image source, Getty Images

The King and Queen are at Holyrood this weekend to attend a celebration marking 25 years since the Scottish Parliament was “reconvened”.

That is how their visit is described in the official news release. Reconvened was the word that MSP Winnie Ewing chose when opening the devolved parliament for business in 1999.

As a nationalist politician, Mrs Ewing may have enjoyed the sense of historical continuity with the 18th Century parliament of what had been an independent Scotland.

Her choice of words raised a few eyebrows at the time because the new parliament bares little resemblance to the old one. The continuity is mostly myth.

Firstly, Holyrood is a democratically elected house rather than an assembly of aristocrats and the landed gentry.

Secondly, it represents an experiment in power-sharing within the United Kingdom, rather than a departure from the political Union with England of 1707.

You can read more from Glenn here.

Today's Royal event will include special performances from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Sistema Scotland, Còisir Alba and Calum McIlroy, showcasing Scottish music and culture.

MSPs have also nominated “local heroes” to attend the event.

These are constituents from their local area who have made an extraordinary contribution to their communities.

Remember, you can follow all the events with us here.

To watch the BBC's programme marking the 25th anniversary, just click on the play icon at the top of this page from 11:30.

Image source, PA Media

The Scottish Parliament's Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone has been speaking ahead of today's event, when she will officially welcome the King and Queen to Holyrood.

She said: “Twenty-five years of the Scottish Parliament marks a significant milestone in the country’s political journey.

"I am delighted that Their Majesties The King and The Queen will join us to mark this special occasion.

“This anniversary offers the perfect opportunity for us not only to reflect on the last 25 years but to look to the future and consider how parliament can continue to best meet the needs of those it serves.

“A cornerstone of this commemorative event will be about recognising the extraordinary contribution people from right across Scotland have made, and continue to make, to their own communities.

“I look forward to welcoming people from all over Scotland for a day of reflection and celebration.”

James Cook
Scotland editor

Image source, PA Media

Edinburgh is ablaze with colour as we await the King.

There are the scarlet uniforms of the soldiers lining the short distance between the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Scottish Parliament.

There is the green of the Royal Company of Archers, the King's ceremonial bodyguards in Scotland, with arrows in their quivers.

Inside, there are shades of every hue in the dresses and kilts of the politicians who are chatting with their political opponents and members of the media.

Even the photographers are dressed in their Sunday best.

Finally there is the bright yellow of the protesters, standing near the foot of the Royal Mile, their placards proclaiming "Not My King."

Andrew Kerr
BBC Scotland political correspondent

The chamber at Holyrood is filling up with MSPs all dressed in their finery.

I’m in the commentary booth for the BBC Scotland programme.

It’s fascinating to watch everyone chatting down below.

There’s quite an air of excitement.

The former First Ministers Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf are in their MSP seats.

Their predecessor Alex Salmond is up in the public gallery.

Sturgeon walked past the Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie and greeted him with a pat on his arm.

Meanwhile, in another VIP area the Scottish Secretary Ian Murray has taken his seat.

King Charles has also been a regular visitor to the parliament, having accompanied the Late Queen to the most recent opening event in 2021.

He was also present at the first opening in 1999, and attended the twentieth anniversary celebrations as well as receptions for the Princes Trust in 2005 and Armed Forces Day in 2011.

The King has also attended five Kirkings of the Scottish Parliament - a ceremony held at St Giles Cathedral after each election - having only missed one in 2011.