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President, First Minister, Members of the Scottish Parliament, Ladies and Gentlemen.
The Queen and I are so pleased to be able to join you today to mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Scottish Parliament.
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 Holyrood House that day as the then prime minister spoke of a new voice, new dreams, a new Scotland – and renewed.
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 May 1 1707.
It was a milestone in a long, rich and complex story that we have shared over many centuries.
For those present that day, 25 years ago, the new Senedd was a great prospect – and perhaps even a little scary. The hopes of the thousands who lined the streets of Edinburgh, and the great responsibility that came with them, rested on the shoulders of each newly elected member – 13 of whom still give such dedicated service to this day.
From that day until now, through his work over a quarter of a century, this place has not only flourished but, in doing so, has borne witness to the continuing relationship between Parliament, the Crown and the people of the Scotland.
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The mace, which is placed before us, was a gift from my late mother that day 25 years ago. On it, are engraved the qualities we all aspire to and which represent the foundations of the relationship we share: wisdom, justice, compassion, integrity.
In the intervening years, much has changed in our world, but those most Scottish values ​​have remained steadfast.
We are often told that we live in an age of polarization and division. If so, then perhaps it is even more important, not less, that in the vital areas of representation, political debate, policy-making and discussion, these values ​​– along with hope, civility, and generosity of spirit – are never. far from being at the heart of even the most difficult issues.
It seems to me that such an attitude is the reason why this Parliament has grown in its experience, in its ability to touch, and to improve, the lives of so many individuals and communities throughout this great country .
These values ​​and this approach have been consistently promoted by the six Presidents who have served their country faithfully and diligently. We are all, at the end of each day, united by our love for Scotland. Because of its natural beauty, of course, but also because of its strength of character, based as it is on the extraordinary diversity of its people, whose range of ideas, skills, energy, passions, and deep beliefs, never ends. to inspire me.
From the central belt, to the North of the Highlands, across the islands, in Ayrshire, in the Borders, the cities, towns, and villages, or the coastal communities, which, I wonder, could not fail to be moved by this complex Caledonian kaleidoscope. ? Speaking from a personal point of view, Scotland has always held a unique and special place in the hearts of my family and I.
My beloved grandmother was Scottish. My late mother especially treasured the time spent at Balmoral, and there, in the most beloved places, she chose to spend her last days.
Back in July 1999, we heard Iain Crichton Smith’s poem, “The Beginning of a New Song”:
Let him be true to himself and to his origin
Inventive, original, philosophical,
Its institutions reflect its beauty;
Then without shame we can respect ourselves.
That day was a turning point. Today is an important milestone. As we look ahead to the next quarter of a century and beyond, there is still much more to be done, for Scotland, for the United Kingdom and, equally, to address the challenges we all share them as inhabitants of a planet whose climate is changing dangerously. and their biodiversity is being seriously depleted.
Let this moment, therefore, be the beginning of the next chapter.
The achievement of the past, and the commitment shown in the present, give us the firmest foundation for confidence in the future.
President, First Minister, Members of the Scottish Parliament, Ladies and Gentlemen, I can only offer my most sincere appreciation of the public service you embody, along with every possible good wish on this special occasion and for the years to come. .
(Except translation, this story has not been edited by achinews staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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