Parliamentary News Release
060/2004
1 October 2004
PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE JOIN HOLYROOD CELEBRATIONS
The official Opening of the new Scottish Parliament building will draw people from all walks of life.
On the day, guests will include the young and old alike, civic representatives, international political dignitaries, leading figures from the world of sport, religious leaders, and some of Scotland 's most celebrated literary and musical artists.
The broad range of guests taking part in the historic celebrations reflect the diversity of culture in Scotland .
Actor Sir Sean Connery is among around 1,000 guests who have accepted invitations to attend the opening of the new Parliament.
One of Scotland 's most famous writers, Professor Alexander McCall Smith, who is famed for the popular No 1 Ladies' Detectives Agency novels, will join the celebrations.
Edinburgh-based artist Elizabeth Blackadder, who became Scotland 's first female to be appointed to the 300-year-old role of Her Majesty's Painter and Limner in Scotland , is also on the guest list.
From the world of sport, guests include Olympic gold medallist curling champion Rhona Martin; former Scotland rugby captain, Gavin Hastings and former leading athlete Yvonne Murray.
Comedian Karen Dunbar, of Chewin' the Fat TV fame, and media personalitiy Fred MacAulay, will represent the Scottish entertainment industry.
Communities from across Scotland have been encouraged to play a large part in the run up to the Opening ceremony. Guests will include ‘local heroes' nominated by MSPs in their constituency in recognition of the important contribution which they have made to the lives of other Scottish people either locally or nationally.
Among them is Maxie Richards, nominated by Annabel Goldie MSP, for her dedication to form a Glasgow-based charity 18 years ago which aims to rehabilitate victims of drug abuse.
List of Guests (pdf)
For further information, contact:
Eric MacLeod: 0131 348 5389
email: eric.macleod@scottish.parliament.uk
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