Queen praises Scotland as a 'wonderful country' as she leads celebrations to mark 20 years of Scottish Parliament

Stephanie Cockroft29 June 2019

The Queen has praised Scotland as a "wonderful country" during celebrations to mark the 20th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament.

Addressing MSPs at a special event held on Saturday morning, the monarch said she had seen Scotland "grow and prosper" in the past two decades.

The Prince of Wales, who holds the title of the Duke of Rothesay in Scotland, accompanied his mother as she made a speech to MSPs in the debating chamber.

The ceremony took place almost 20 years to the day since the Parliament officially assumed its legal powers on July 1, 1999 following devolution. Some of the young people born on that date joined MSPs to take part in the event.

Addressing the chamber, the Queen said: "We fondly remember that proud day when new members gathered in the Assembly Hall to celebrate Scotland's first parliament in 300 years.

The Queen with Ken Macintosh, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament
Getty Images

"I have noted on previous occasions my great affection for Scotland, and the many happy and personal connections I enjoy with this wonderful country.

"It has been with great pleasure that over the years I have watched Scotland grow and prosper, and have been with you at each stage of your parliamentary life, including on landmark occasions such as today.

"Twenty years on, this chamber continues to be at the centre of Scottish public life, as an important forum to engage and unite diverse communities and also a home for passionate debate and discussion."

She added: "Today, with the echo of excitement and enthusiasm I encountered twenty years ago, I extend to you all my warmest good wishes on this special anniversary, for the continuing prosperity of the people of Scotland, and for those who represent them in this remarkable Parliament."

The Queen is wearing a blue coat and hat and a white floral dress for the occasion.

Ahead of the Queen's arrival, the Crown of Scotland was brought in a procession from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood, carried by the Duke of Hamilton and accompanied by the Pipes and Drums of the 1st Battalion of the Scots Guards.

Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by Prince Charles, to mark the 20th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament
Getty Images

The royal party arrived at the Scottish Parliament at around 11am, where they were met by Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh and representatives of the five parties at Holyrood.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also made a speech, recalling the "optimism" for the Scottish Parliament when it was created, but also spoke about the "scale of the challenge" MSPs faced then.

In her speech, she said: "There were times perhaps, especially in the first few years of the parliament, when the sense of challenge possibly outweighed the sense of optimism."

But she said the hopes expressed for Holyrood in 1999 had "to a great extent been vindicated".

Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Rothesay attend a ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of devolution in the Holyrood chamber
PA

Ms Sturgeon added: "Although this parliament is only 20 years young, it has long come of age."

She said while the parties in Holyrood "passionately disagree" on many issues, they had worked together over the years.

The chamber will also hear from Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, Scottish Labour's Richard Leonard, Scottish Green co-convener Patrick Harvie and Liberal Democrat MSP Tavish Scott.

The speeches are being interspersed with cultural performances, including Scots Makar Jackie Kay reading her poem The Long View, written specially for the event and celebrating the changes in the 20 years since the Scottish Parliament was reconvened.

The chamber choir of the National Youth Choir of Scotland, Scottish folk musician Phil Cunningham and members of Celtic band Capercaillie are also performing.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Conservative leader Ruth Davidson arrive in the Scottish Parliament debating chamber
Getty Images

Stuart MacMillan MSP will play Robert Burns's A Man's A Man For A' That on the bagpipes as the Queen leaves the chamber.

After the ceremony, the Queen and Charles will attend a reception in the Parliament's main hall and sign the visitors book.

The visit marks the ninth time the Queen has addressed the Scottish Parliament.

Her last speech to MSPs took place on July 2 2016 as part of celebrations marking the opening of the fifth session of the Parliament.

Charles last visited the Parliament in 2006 to attend a reception of the Prince's Trust.

The ceremony on Saturday is part of a year-long programme of events to mark two decades of devolution.

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