To mark the official opening of the 5th session of the Scottish Parliament, a series of events took place at Holyrood on Saturday 2 July 2016. These included:
- Her Majesty The Queen addressed MSPs in the Chamber during the Opening Ceremony.
- Around 2000 people took part in a colourful, historic 'Riding' procession down Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, including Local Heroes nominated by their MSPs in recognition of the important work they do to help others or their community.
- Holyrood’s ‘Big Day Out’ - a fun-packed afternoon for all the family. The gardens and doors of the Scottish Parliament were opened to everyone to explore.
Watch video from the Opening Ceremony, including:
- The Presiding Officer addresses the Chamber
- The Queen’s speech to MSPs
- Scottish Youth Theatre perform a 'flashmob' Open the Doors!
- Poet Jackie Kay recites her first commission as Scots Makar
- The First Minister addresses the Chamber
- Midge Ure performs "A Man’s a Man for A’ That"