King urges MSPs to help build a 'fair and prosperous society'

King Charles urged MSPs to help build a "fair and prosperous society" as he opened the new session of the Scottish Parliament.

The ceremony, which featured pageantry, poetry, drama and music, marked the beginning of the seventh session of Holyrood since it was established in 1999.

The event started with the Crown of Scotland being escorted down the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle.

Following the arrival of the royal couple in the debating chamber, the celebration began with a fanfare performed by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland brass ensemble.

The mace, Crown and Elizabeth sword were carried into the chamber in a procession featuring three Team Scotland athletes preparing to compete in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next month.

The Officers of Arms were joined by young people from a range of organisations, including the Scottish Youth Parliament, RNIB Scotland, and the Young Women's Movement.

Presiding Officer Kenneth Gibson then delivered his opening remarks to the audience, which included 65 new MSPs who were elected last month.

Gibson used his speech to praise the Tartan Army for "showcasing the very best of our people on a global stage".

And he joked that they would be enjoying an extended stay in North America "but for a couple of dodgy penalty decisions in the Morocco game".

The King then addressed the chamber to formally open the parliamentary session.

He said: "From its proud history and its treasured customs to the remarkable beauty of its land, it is the warmth and spirit of the people of Scotland that leave the deepest impression upon us and continue to inspire admiration."

The King said that since his late mother opened Holyrood in 1999 it had stood as a "powerful expression of Scotland's democratic tradition".

He also urged MSPs to show that debate could be "carried out with respect and courtesy" and that "disagreement is possible while honouring one's dignity".

The King added that everyone in public service should be "seeking the good of the people we serve".

King Charles told the audience: "People across Scotland look for leadership and for practical action to help build a fair and prosperous society."

The monarch also highlighted his concerns for the environment when he last spoke in the chamber in 2024 and he revisited the theme on Saturday.

He told MSPs the planet's climate was "changing dangerously" and warned its biodiveristy was being "seriously depleted".

In response, First Minister John Swinney told the chamber that Scotland had the capacity to absorb and overcome every passing storm.

He called for co-operation and renewal and added that new politics was the basis for a new hope.

Swinney then spoke in Gaelic and said: "Our people need us to work together, to improve their lives to bring them hope. That is what we must now do," he said.

The parliament's piper, MSP Stuart McMillan, brought the event to a close with a performance in the members' garden of Bonnie Dundee and a Hundred Pipers.

Following the ceremony, the King and Queen met local heroes nominated by MSPs for their "extraordinary contribution" to local communities.

They included four-year-old Gregor Corse from Orkney, who was born with a brain condition which affects his balance and motor skills.

He was nominated after raising £70,000 for charity by doing laps around his house, supported by a walking frame.