Ceremony to mark the Third Session of the Scottish Parliament
Speech by Her Majesty The Queen
069/2007 | 30 June 2007
Presiding Officer, First Minister, Members of the Scottish Parliament:
It is a pleasure to be invited to address this Chamber today and to mark with you the third session of the Scottish Parliament.
Presiding Officer… I would like to begin by extending my best wishes to you in your new role. I do indeed remember your father; in fact, I recall commenting to the Duke of Edinburgh how commendably brief his sermon had been.
In May of this year, the Duke of York, as Lord High Commissioner, addressed the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. During his address he said: "We are always in a state of change in any society”, and it has certainly been the case for Scotland and the Scottish Parliament.
I have noted on previous occasions the strong affection my family has long had for the people of Scotland. And I have, therefore, been pleased to be with you at each stage of your parliamentary life…on those historic occasions, such as today, which allow us a moment to reflect on the past as well as to look at the challenges ahead.
As I look back, I can say that with each visit I have found a different parliament: in 1999, it was a newly established body... one full of hope, vision and perhaps what might now with hindsight seem unrealistic expectations, a parliament which marked constitutional change alongside the continuity of celebrating the rich history of this nation, and more importantly, its firm commitment to working with and serving the people of Scotland.
I recall the parliament of 2003, which only a year later, moved into its new home, here in Holyrood, at the bottom of the Royal Mile, a second parliament which gained world-wide respect for its innovative methods at a time of disengagement between legislatures and the citizen.
The Scottish Parliament proved that the pioneering spirit of the Scots was alive and well through ground-breaking initiatives such as the Festival of Politics.
And so today the Scottish Parliament confidently moves into its third parliamentary session and places a firm focus on the future while drawing confidence and strength from your illustrious past.
Scotland has a proud history, notably of men and women who have made something of themselves.
Those Scots down the centuries who have played a significant role in shaping our way of life as well as those who chose to travel to other lands, leaving lasting legacies throughout the world in politics, religion, industry or the arts.
It is therefore not surprising that today’s Scotland retains wide international respect. Its people still known for their energy, flair and determination. You excel in the field of finance, the life sciences, energy, academic research and the creative industries.
It is a rich and diverse country, celebrating many cultures and welcoming “new Scots”.
And today is a day about the people of Scotland, an opportunity for them to glimpse not just their local and historical achievements but the success of the nation as a whole, and to be encouraged that their contributions really count.
Members of the Scottish Parliament…a few weeks ago, you were elected by the people of Scotland to serve the people of Scotland. This is both a privilege and a great responsibility.
Today, you will walk with the people and party with the people. As you move into your third parliamentary session and a new form of politics, I am confident that the Scottish people will be at the heart of the business of this session as you keep on walking with them and together build a better and more sustainable future for this great land.
Presiding Officer, First Minister, Members of the Scottish Parliament… the Duke of Edinburgh joins me in wishing you well in your third parliamentary session.
Ends.
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