1293 The first recorded meeting of the Kings High Court of Parliament in Scotland

1326 The First "complete" Parliament under Robert the Bruce, containing Lords and Commons

1357 The first Official reference to the Three Estates - Clergy, Nobility and Burgesses - selected to maintain the essential duties of the Parliament

1560 The Reformation

1603 The Union of the Crowns

1638 The National Covenant

1652 The Scottish Parliament is abolished under Cromwellian rule, and representatives sent to Westminster

1661 The Scottish Parliament is restored under Charles II

1707 The Act of Union - the Separate Scottish Parliament is dissolved. Scotland is now represented by 45 MPs and 16 Peers in the UK Parliament

1885 The office of Secretary for Scotland created

1886 The Scottish Home Rule Association founded

1894 The forerunner of the Scottish Grand Committee established in the House of Commons, to deal with aspects of Scottish Parliamentary business

1918 UK Women are given the right to vote

1926 The post of Secretary for Scotland is enhanced to Secretary of State for Scotland

1939 The functions of Scottish Office are transferred to Edinburgh from London

1967 The Creation of the first Scottish Standing Committee in the House of Commons, to provide detailed Scrutiny of Scottish Bills

1969 The first Appointment of a Select Committee on Scottish Affairs in the House of Commons

1978 The Scotland Bill is passed, legislating for a Scottish Assembly

1979 Devolution supported by a narrow majority in a referendum in March but fails 40% of electorate test.
The Scotland Act 1978 is subsequently repealed by new Conservative government in July

1997 The White Paper Scotland's Parliament is published
A referendum in September sees majority vote for Scottish Parliament with some tax varying power

1998 Scotland Act Passed

1999 The first Elections to the Scottish Parliament are held on 6th May
The Parliament meets for the first time on 12th May
The Queen formally opens the Parliament on 1st July

2004 The first meeting of Parliament in the new building at Holyrood takes place on 6th September