Her Majesty the Queen accompanied by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and The Lord Provost attended Holyrood this morning to officially declare the Scottish Parliament open for its fifth session.
Afterwards The Queen left parliament by the side door on the Canongate and her car took her and His Royal Highness back to The Palace of Holyroodhouse, presumably for a spot of lunch.
The crowd had been gathering since early morning and barriers lined the streets outside the parliament building. There were armed police on the roof and the Royal Company of Archers, the Queen’s Bodyguard in Scotland  were also in attendance.
Then the procession began from the Royal Mile to Holyrood Park, joined by MSPs and their Local Hero guests.
Led by the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland the procession was colourful and, at times, very loud!
The three previous Presiding Officers walked three abreast from Queensberry House to join the other MSPs who walked in front of the crowds.
Procession starts! pic.twitter.com/kcfDrplrBC
— Edinburgh Reporter (@EdinReporter) July 2, 2016
Neil Findlay Lothian MSP told us: ” It was a good morning. It was very interesting and it is a nice day. It is their parliament My local hero Stephen represents Crohn’s and Colitis UK. Â He’s a real role model and an inspiration for all young people who have gone through difficulties in their lives.”
Everyone was having fun after the speeches and music inside and the entertainment continues all afternoon with the Scottish Parliament throwing open its doors to all for the Big Day Out.
Votes for women! The Scottish Women’s Convention want something anyway! pic.twitter.com/Vlmdblq15z
— Edinburgh Reporter (@EdinReporter) July 2, 2016
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
