On 28 September, King Charles III and Queen Camilla hosted a reception at Holyrood to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament.
Alongside the King’s statements on his ties to Scotland and climate change came the backdrop of 25 years of Scottish devolution and the politics that came with it.
All Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) and their families attended the reception at Holyrood Palace.
MSPs brought designated “local heroes” who made a positive impact on their community were also recognized and awarded for their work.
Scottish First Minister John Swinney brought Su and Gavin Hart, who have worked for mental health through the organization Happy to Chat.
Scotland’s culture was emphasized as the First Minister’s speech, delivered first in Gaelic, emphasized Scotland’s history, and he was accompanied by the Gaelic National Youth Choir of Scotland and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.
Since first opening in 1999, the Scottish Parliament has allowed Scotland to have more self-determination in specific policies.
Angus Robertson, MSP for Edinburgh Central of the SNP, emphasized the chamber’s ability to bring about the end of tuition fees for university in 2008 as a significant accomplishment, stating that it “set the tone for a parliament committed to progressive change.”
The Scottish Parliament remains an integral part of the Scottish political system.
Students at the University of Edinburgh who spoke to The Student were mostly the Scottish Parliament and viewed it as an important institution.
Lewis, a first-year student from Glasgow, said that the Scottish parliament has been a success.
He added that it “strikes the perfect balance for autonomy”, pointing to policies the body has delivered such as free busing for those under 21 as proof of how the parliament has been able to deliver on Scottish issues.
“Scottish Parliament building” by Andy Hay is licensed under CC BY 2.0.