Queen opens Scottish Parliament

Summary

Her Majesty the Queen officially opens the Scottish Parliament
The Edinburgh ceremony comes a week after the UK voted to leave the EU
The Queen makes no direct reference to the referendum
But she tells MSPs it is important to stay "calm and collected" in a "challenging world"

Live Reporting

Craig Hutchison and Deirdre Kelly

Crown arrives and Her Majesty will arrive shortlypublished at 11:01 British Summer Time 2 July 2016
Image caption,
The Queen's crown arrives for the ceremonial occasion
The Queen will arrive from Holyroodhouse, just a short journey away. The Royal Crown has already arrived in the Scottish Parliament building.
Chamber order of ceremonypublished at 10:57 British Summer Time 2 July 2016
Programme of music performed by the National Youth Choir of Scotland
Fanfare by the State Trumpeters on Her Majesty’s arrival in the chamber,
followed by:
- The Scottish Parliament’s Mace
- The Crown of Scotland borne by the Duke of Hamilton and Brandon,
- Welcome by The Presiding Officer
- Address by Her Majesty The Queen
Image source, PA
There will then be a performance of Piano Quintet No. 1 - inspired by The Scottish Parliament building. Composed by Tom Aitken and performed by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra Ensemble
This will be followed by:
- Poem– Open the Doors!, written by Edwin Morgan, performed by Scottish Youth Theatre
- Poem– Threshold, written and performed by Jackie Kay, Scots Makar
- Response to Her Majesty The Queen –The First Minister
- Song – A Man’s a Man for A’ That, sung by Midge Ure OBE, Patron of Burnsong
- Departure of Her Majesty The Queen
- The Rowan Tree performed by the Scottish Parliament’s Piper Stuart McMillan MSP
Background: How many first ministers has Scotland had? And who are they?published at 10:53 British Summer Time 2 July 2016
Image source, bbc
Image caption,
Five politicians have served a first minister since the devolved Scottish Parliament was created in 1999
Nicola Sturgeon continues as Scotland's first minister following the SNP's victory in the Scottish Parliament election on 5 May 2016.
Ms Sturgeon became first minister on 20 November 2014, following the resignation of Alex Salmond.
She is the fifth politician to head Scotland's devolved government (not counting Jim Wallace, who served as acting first minister three times.)
Here's a quick look at Scotland's leaders, past and present, and the legacies they have left.
MSPs at Holyrood await the entrance of Her Majesty to the chamberpublished at 10:50 British Summer Time 2 July 2016
The Scottish Parliament chamber and public gallery are now filling up ahead of the official opening by Her Majesty the Queen.
Image caption,
MSPs gather ahead of the official opening of the fifth Scottish Parliament
Guard of Honour now in position outside Holyroodpublished at 10:49 British Summer Time 2 July 2016
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Meet the Local Heroes taking part in the Ridingpublished at 10:47 British Summer Time 2 July 2016
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The arrival of the Crown, Parly selfies and interesting shoespublished at 10:43 British Summer Time 2 July 2016
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The National Youth Choir of Scotlandpublished at 10:37 British Summer Time 2 July 2016
Image source, NYCos
The National Youth Choir of Scotland, external (NYCoS) has kept the chamber entertained on the run up to the Her Majesty's arrival.
NYCos is a choir for young singers in Scotland, founded in 1996.
It is now one of four national choirs: The National Youth Choir of Scotland, NYCoS Training Choir, National Boys Choir and National Girls Choir, in addition to 14 Area Choirs, an educational remit and a range of music publications, CDs and resources. NYCoS has been led by Artistic Director Christopher Bell since its formation.
Postpublished at 10:36 British Summer Time 2 July 2016
MSPs use social media to congratulate young singers
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Postpublished at 10:32 British Summer Time 2 July 2016
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What's happening at Holyrood today?published at 10:29 British Summer Time 2 July 2016
The Opening Ceremony will mark the fifth session of the Scottish Parliament.
The three main elements to the day are as follows:
- 11.00 - 1200 The Queen's address to Parliament
- 1200 - 1300 The Riding
- 1400 -1800Holyrood's Big Day Out
Image source, Getty Images/ BBC/Scottish Parliament
Image caption,
The three elements of the day are the Queen's address, the Riding and Holyrood's big day out
Good morning and welcome to our coverage of the Royal Opening of the Scottish Parliamentpublished at 15:44 British Summer Time 30 June 2016
Image source, bbc/Scottish Parliament
Image caption,
Her Majesty the Queen will address MSPs
Good morning and welcome to BBC Scotland's coverage of the Royal Opening of the Scottish Parliament.
HRH Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh will attend the Opening Ceremony to mark the Fifth Session of the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.
We'll bring you live coverage of the event which begins around 11am.