Image source, bbc

Image source, bbc

"Here' to the next twenty years," says Scot's Makar Jackie Kay.

She concludes: "We're taking the long view."

• born in Edinburgh in 1961 to a Scottish mother and Nigerian father, and was adopted at birth
• she had a happy childhood, in spite of racial bullying at school
• the birth of her own son spurred her to trace her natural mother

Image source, bbc

• at first Kay wanted to be an actress and attended part-time classes at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow
• She was encouraged towards writing when a teacher sent some of her poems to Alasdair Gray, who recognised their merit
• She studied English at the University of Stirling and then moved to London
• She has written poetry, fiction and plays, as well as a non-fiction work about the jazz singer Bessie Smith

Image source, bbc

Scots Makar Jackie Kay performs a specially-commissioned poem to mark 20 years of the Scottish Parliament

"The Long View" explores how the parliament has changed, and changed Scotland, over the past 20 years and celebrates some of those who were born on 1 July 1999, the same day the parliament received its powers.

A number of those born that day are present in the chamber.

Ms Kay is performing along with celebrated jazz musician Suzanne Bonnar; BSL performer Moira Anne McAuslan (BSL translation by Amy Cheskin); and Scottish Youth Theatre performer Lewis McCaskill performing in Gaelic.

Image source, bbc

The Scottish Conservative leader says it is an honour for all of us present to celebrate 20 years of devolution.

She adds she was not in the parliament in 1999, but studying at Edinburgh University.

Ms Davidson says "this chamber has proved itself adept at reactive legislation and in leading debate".

She tells the chamber as a process, "devolution has made our country stronger".

Ms Davidson pays tribute to the staff that run the Scottish Parliament "who are as integral to it as any MSP".

She turns to the Queen and says from all of us "we thank you".

Ms Sturgeon accepts the parliament has made mistakes, but has also made significant progress.

The first minister adds we will "continue to draw inspiration" from the values inscribed on the mace.

Ms Sturgeon says there were times when the sense of challenge seemed to outweigh the optimism, but the hopes the Queen evinced in 1999 have come to fruition.

The first minister says this chamber has often been a scene of compromise as well as dispute.

She says from land reform in the first parliament, to equal marriage in the last and social security in this, "we have become the parliament to look to for hopes and dreams".

The first minister hopes MSPs will retain their commitment to working together in the common good.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon gives her response on behalf of the Scottish government and starts by thanking the National Youth Choir for a "wonderful performance".

Ms Sturgeon also thanks the Queen for being here today and for her support of the parliament.

Image source, bbc

You've been listening to a performance of The Bonnie Banks O’ Loch Lomon’ arranged by D M Gardner; conducted by Mark Evans; and performed by The National Youth Choir of Scotland (NYCoS) Chamber Choir.

The Queen says it is her sincere hope that this parliament will use the power of this chamber to "celebrate those invisible pillars of our communities" and work tirelessly to improve their lives.

She extends her warmest good wishes to all on this special anniversary.

The Queen says she is pleased to join quests today to mark the 20th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament.

She says it has been with great pleasure that she has watched "this wonderful country" grow and prosper.

At the heart of the word "parliament" lies its original meaning, a place to talk and "this striking chamber has provided exactly that", explains the Queen.

It is also a place to listen and turn talk to action, she adds.

The presiding officer says: "I hope and I believe this parliament can help us hang on to what really matters."

Mr Macintosh says today's events mark the centrepiece of our shared anniversary.

The presiding officer accepts there have been criticisms of the parliament, but rebuts this with a quote from Monty Python: "What have the Romans ever done for us?"

He cites a number of important pieces of legislation that he says he is proud of, including the smoking ban and equal marriage.

Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh begins by welcoming the Queen, Prince Charles and invited guests in English, Gaelic and in sign language.

Mr Macintosh gives a special welcome to the young guests born on the same day the Parliament resumed on Thursday 1 July 1999.

Image source, PA Media

The Queen is preceded into the Chamber by:

• The Scottish Parliament’s Mace

• Royal Company of Archers.
• The Crown of Scotland borne by the Duke of Hamilton and Brandon, escorted by the Lord Lyon King of Arms and the Captain-General

The chamber resounds to the Fanfare for Elizabeth, Her Majesty The Queen, composed and conducted by John Wallace CBE for the 20th Anniversary of the Scottish Parliament.

• The Queen will be welcomed by the Fanfare for Elizabeth, Her Majesty The Queen and then a welcome from the presiding officer.
• Her Majesty The Queen will then address the Scottish Parliament

• Performance of The Bonnie Banks O'Loch Lomon'
• First Minister responds followed by Ruth Davidson
• Performance of the Long View by the Scots Makar
• Richard Leonard responds

Image source, PA Media

• Performance of Farewell to Govan
• Patrick Harvie and Tavish Scott respond
• Performance of Aye Fond Kiss
• The Presiding Officer closes the meeting of the parliament and the Scottish Parliament’s Piper Stuart McMillan MSP plays "A Man's a Man for a' That"