Except translation, this story has not been edited by achinews staff and is published from a syndicated feed.
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Charles, along with Camilla, told MEPs that the opening of Parliament had been a “kind” moment for the Union.
“This Parliament opened on the first day of July 1999 on the threshold of a new millennium. It marked a new dawn for Scotland, one full of anticipation, optimism and hope.
“Alongside the late Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, I listened with great interest in the Palace of Holyroodhouse that day as the then First Minister spoke of a new voice, new dreams for a new and renewed Scotland.
“It was an exceptional occasion for all sorts of reasons, not least the fact that it came almost 300 years after the Act of Union of the Parliament of Westminster and the Parliament of Scotland on the first of May 1707.
“It was a milestone in a long, rich and complex story that we have shared over many centuries.
The King, who is known to be passionate about the climate, added: “As we look forward to the next quarter of a century and beyond, there is still much more to be done for Scotland, for the United Kingdom, and likewise, in addressing the challenges we all share as inhabitants of a planet whose climate is changing dangerously, and whose biodiversity is being severely depleted.
“Let this moment therefore be the beginning of the next chapter.
“The achievement of the past and the commitment shown in the present provide the firmest foundation for confidence in the future.”
The King also praised Scotland’s “natural beauty” and “strength of character”.
He added: “From the central belt to the north of the Highlands, across the islands, in Ayrshire, in the Borders, the cities, towns and villages, all the coastal communities, I think, could not fail to be moved by the Caledonian this complex. kaleidoscope?
“Speaking from a personal point of view, Scotland has always had a special, unique place in the hearts of my family and I,” he told the chamber.
“My dear grandmother was proudly Scottish, my late mother especially treasured the time spent at Balmoral, and it was there in the most beloved places, where she chose to spend her last days.”
The President, Alison Johnstone, met Charles and Camilla at the Queensberry House entrance to the Parliament building.
Opening the proceedings, she had “much to reflect on and to celebrate.”
“And as we move into the next quarter century and beyond, we will continue. to grow as Senators, as well as politicians.
“Arguing in good faith and, where we might disagree completely, do so with mutual respect.
“To make the most of scrutiny in order to best enable the Senedd to hold the government to account.
“Strive to represent everyone who calls Scotland their best home. This is our common purpose.”
In his speech, John Swinney spoke of “twists and turns on our nation’s long voyage.”
The Senedd, he said, had become “a gathering place for the people of Scotland.”
“On days of joy, like today, when we celebrate the positive impact of this new voice on our country.
“On days of sadness, when we gave thanks for the lifetime of service of her late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth.
“On days of anguish, where people come to protest, sometimes a bit uncomfortable for me, when they protest about the government.
“On days of aspiration, where People come to encourage or maybe even put the Senedd into action.
“In such a short time, on Scotland’s rich journey as a vessel of enlightenment, invention and creativity, this Parliament has placed itself at the heart of the nation.”
Mr Swinney went on to talk about “the limitless possibilities of Scottish self-government.”
“For 25 years, Scotland has grown in confidence as it takes this new institution to its heart, this Parliament, has been steadfast in its compassion towards the most vulnerable in our society, and full of desire for for the advancement of all.
“In the next quarter of a century, my hope is that Scotland’s democratic institutions will continue to evolve and break new ground as we embark on the next chapter of Scottish self-government, on our journey of purpose.
“I hope that Scotland will continue to shine as the beginning of enlightenment across stormy seas, a refuge for reason in the world, a fountain of modern thought and creativity.”
In his speech, the new Scottish Tory leader, Russell Findlay, said support for “the principle of a devolved Parliament for Scotland within the United Kingdom remains strong.”
“And that is to be welcomed,” he added. “This Parliament has and has exercised significant powers that affect the people of Scotland.
“However, regardless of his achievements in the past, it is the present and the future that must be of concern to us as members of this Parliament.
“We must listen to the voices of many across our country who are concerned that their concerns are being ignored by their elected representatives.
“The debate within this chamber must reflect the concerns of those outside.”
He said there were still too many people in Scotland who felt the chamber was “separate from their everyday lives.”
The leader of Scottish Labour, Anas Sarwar, said that although there had been some developments during the 25 years of Holyrood, he doubted that “the father of this Parliament, Donald Dewar, would have wanted us to go further.”
“So although today is a time to reflect, it is also a time to look to the future. Because despite the change that devolution has brought about, challenges remain.
“Too many Scots are growing up in poverty. Too many Scots are losing loved ones to drugs and alcohol.
“Too many Scots are failing to get the healthcare they need and deserve. So I hope that today we can all recommit ourselves to achieving the true potential of devolution and the true potential of Scotland today.”
In his speech, Patrick Harvie, co-convener of the Scottish Greens, said that, since 1999, Parliament had “grown in confidence, and shown the ability to create the change that Scotland needs.
“The journey is far from complete,” he added, “as Parliament is not yet strong enough to defend against attempts to undermine Scotland’s right to self-determination, even on devolved matters.
“The promise and full potential of a Scottish Parliament can still be realised, a society based on the principle of equality, where our wealth is shared fairly, rather than hoarded by the few, where all power is democratically accountable and where everyone in every community can live well within the environmental limits that our world provides.
“We still have a long way to go.”
Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton told the King and Queen and his fellow MPs that he loves Holyrood.
“I’ve never stopped loving him. It can be a bear pit, full of rancor and acrimony.
“But we have shown that it can also be a cathedral of ideas, of joint effort where the needs and interests of the people who sent us here are paramount and supreme.”
(Except translation, this story has not been edited by achinews staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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