Summary

  • The King and Queen have visited Holyrood to mark the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament being reconvened

  • King Charles said the opening of the parliament was "a turning point" and describes the anniversary as "an important milestone"

  • MSPs also heard speeches from the leaders of Scotland's political parties

  • The celebration showcased Scottish music and culture and paid tribute to the contribution of “local heroes”

Live Reporting

Edited by Paul McLaren

  1. Queen Elizabeth and the Scottish Parliament

    The Late Queen has addressed the parliament at its two venues in Edinburgh as well as here in Aberdeen in 2002Getty Images

    The late Queen addressed the parliament at its two venues in Edinburgh as well as here in Aberdeen in 2002

    The late Queen visited the Scottish Parliament 10 times, including the formal opening of each term of parliament after the six Holyrood elections in 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2016 and 2021.

    She also attended special sessions for its 10th and 20th anniversaries, as well as the opening of the Holyrood building and a sitting in Aberdeen to mark her Golden Jubilee.

    Read more here.

  2. The Queen had 'confidence' in the future of Scotland

    Queen ElizabethGetty Images

    The late Queen described the opening of the parliament in 1999 as a "rare moment" in the life of the nation, "when we step across the threshold of a new constitutional age".

    And she stressed that she had "trust in the good judgement of the Scottish people", adding that she was "confident in the future of Scotland".

    The opening ceremony saw the Queen arrive at the Assembly Hall - the home of the parliament while Holyrood was being built - in a horse-drawn carriage.

    She was also accompanied by the Crown of Scotland, which dates back to the 15th Century, in what was its first use in a public ceremony since 1953.

    The opening of the Scottish Parliament brought the Crown of Scotland back into use at public ceremonies for the first time in decadesGetty Images

    The opening of the Scottish Parliament brought the Crown of Scotland back into use at public ceremonies for the first time in decades

  3. A look back at a historic day for Scotland

    The King was among the Royal family members who attended the inauguration of the Scottish parliment in 1999PA Media

    The Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Charles, as was, attended the parliament's opening ceremony in 1999

    Let's take take you back 25 years to reflect on the opening of the Scottish Parliament in 1999.

    The late Queen opened the first Scottish Parliament for 300 years on 1 July.

    The King, or Prince Charles as he then was, attended the opening and has visited several times since then.

    The ceremony was held in the General Assembly Hall on The Mound in Edinburgh, where members of the Scottish Parliament met until the opening of the Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood in 2004.

    Scotland's then First Minister Donald Dewar gave an emotional speech at the event, saying the day was a "turning point" in which democracy had been renewed in Scotland.

    "This is about more than our politics and our laws," Dewar declared. "This is about who we are, how we carry ourselves and in quiet moments of today we might hear echoes on the past."

  4. The Crown of Scotland arrives at Holyrood

    Andrew Kerr
    BBC Scotland political correspondent

    Crown of Scotland taken into Scottish ParliamentPA Media

    We have a great view of proceedings from the BBC Scotland Parliament office.

    We’re preparing to go on air with our live programme on BBC Two from 11:30 and watched as the Crown of Scotland was taken by car to the Scottish Parliament.

    It was handed out to the Lord Lyon King of Arms by the Duke of Hamilton and Brandon, Scotland’s senior peer.

    The duke then got out of the car and took the Crown into parliament.

    It’s part of his official duty to carry the Crown – and he will do so before the King for the procession into parliament.

    The Crown of Scotland arrives at the Scottish Parliament

    The Crown arrived under escort

    The Crown of Scotland arrives.

  5. What can we expect today?

    Today's events will begin with the Crown of Scotland arriving at the Scottish Parliament with an escort and guard of honour formed by members of youth organisations.

    The King and Queen are then expected to leave the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

    They will be met at the parliament by the Lord Provost and Lord-Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh, Councillor Robert Aldridge, and the parliament's Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone.

    Their Majesties will then be presented to the first minister and opposition party leaders.

    We can expect to hear 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 presiding officer will open the meeting of parliament and formally welcome the King and Queen

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

    The first minister and opposition party leaders are expected to make brief speeches, interspersed between Scottish cultural performances.

  6. Welcome

    King CharlesPA Media

    King Charles paid tribute to his late mother on his last visit to the Scottish Parliament

    Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of the celebrations to mark 25 years of the Scottish Parliament.

    His Majesty the King will address MSPs as part of today's anniversary celebrations.

    King Charles, who will be accompanied by the Queen, will watch a ceremony which will include performances celebrating the best of Scottish music and culture.

    When the King last visited the Scottish Parliament, it was to hear a motion of condolence for his mother, Queen Elizabeth, with leading politicians paying tribute to the former monarch.

    Stay with us for all the build-up, as well as live coverage throughout.

    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.