Traditional 'riding' ceremony to mark the opening of Third Session of the Scottish Parliament
The Third Session of the Scottish Parliament will be marked on 30 June in a ceremony that will continue the Scottish tradition of bringing together the people, Parliament and The Queen.
The day starts with an address by Her Majesty The Queen to the newly elected MSPs and guests, followed by the ‘riding’ – marking the old Scots tradition where members of the public and the newly elected members come together.
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The ‘riding’ will involve about 1,200 people from throughout Scotland selected to highlight achievements in the fields of education, enterprise, science and nature, society, sport and culture.
Scotland’s newly elected MSPs will nominate ‘local heroes’ to take part in the ‘riding’, which will run through the Old Town, down the Royal Mile and into the landscaped gardens of the Parliament.
Local heroes are people from the MSP’s constituency or region who they believe have made a contribution to the lives of other Scottish people either locallyor nationally.
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The day will culminate in a free open air concert in the Parliament’s gardens where the acts will include live music – traditional, contemporary, multi-cultural and international – drama and dance and opportunities to visit the free exhibitions in the Parliament building.
The Programme for 30 June Morning
- Debating Chamber: Address by Her Majesty The Queen in the Parliament’s main chamber.
- Holyrood’s Main Hall: The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh will meet people from across Scotland.
Lunchtime
- The ‘riding’: About 1,200 people representing all fields of Scottish achievement, interspersed with bands, banners and performers will make their way down the Royal Mile to Holyrood.
Afternoon
- Landscaped gardens: A free public event with live music – traditional, contemporary, multi-cultural and international – drama and dance.
- Free exhibitions: In the Scottish Parliament building.
For full programme details and how to get involved:
Visit: www.scottish.parliament.uk or call 0131 348 5000 or 0845 278 1999 (local rate)
Text phone 0131 348 3415 RNID Typetalk calls welcome
e-mail: sp.info@scottish.parliament.uk