The Queen addressed the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood to mark the new session. She spoke of her "deep and abiding affection for this wonderful country"
Nicola Sturgeon made reference to the Duke of Edinburgh's absence. The first minister passed on her sympathy to the Queen who lost her husband, aged 99, in April this year
Her Majesty was joined at the Holyrood ceremony by The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay who sat below the Presiding Officer's chair
This year’s ceremony paid tribute to "local heroes" chosen from across Scotland
The community heroes were heralded for the part they played during the pandemic
The song We Hold The Future is performed by the National Youth Choir of Scotland.
For the departure of The Queen, Farewell to the Creeks is performed by the Scottish Parliament’s Piper Stuart McMillan MSP from the Members’ Garden.
Image source, PA MediaFirst Minister Nicola Sturgeon says the visit from the Queen is "tinged with regret" at the absence of Prince Philip, offering the parliament's condolences and sorrow.
Quote MessageThis is the first time you have opened our parliament without the Duke of Edinburgh by your side. On behalf of everyone in our chamber, and across Scotland, I convey again our deep sympathy and shared sorrow at your loss."
Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland's First Minister
The first minister says the Queen has been a "steadfast friend" of the parliament since it began and thanks her for her "kind and thoughtful address", describing it as the highlight of the day.
The newly appointed Scots Makar Kathleen Jamie delivers a specially commissioned piece - The Morrow-Bird - to those gathered at the ceremony.
Image source, PA Media
Image source, PA MediaHer Majesty addressed the sixth session of the Scottish Parliament
Addressing the debating chamber, The Queen congratulates the Scottish parliament for being able to mark the new session safely in a "very trying period".
She notes that the parliament had been at the heart of Scotland's response to the pandemic.
Quote MessageAs we all step out from adverse and uncertain times, occasions such as this today provide an opportunity for hope and optimism. Marking this new session does indeed bring a sense of beginning and renewal.
Her Majesty The Queen
Music now comes from Orin Simpson on the flute and Seoras Chlad on the guitar, They are members of the National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music.
They are followed by a song from Musicians in Exile, Always on the Move.
Image source, Getty ImagesThe silver mace was made in 1999, and presented to the first devolved parliament
The Scottish Parliament’s Mace, followed by the Officers of Arms; the Crown of Scotland - borne by the Duke of Hamilton and Brandon, escorted by the Lord Lyon King of Arms and the Captain-General - is processed into the Holyrood chamber.
New Presiding Officer, Alison Johnstone, addresses the chamber, followed by the Queen.
Image source, PA MediaAs the Queen enters the chamber the Royal Conservatoire Brass performs Fanfare for the Opening of Parliament 2021 composed by John Wallace CBE and conducted by John Logan.
Image source, PA MediaHer Majesty meets Holyrood's party leaders including Lorna Slater of the Scottish Greens
The ceremony starts with the Queen meeting the parliament's party leaders - Douglas Ross (Scottish Conservatives); Anas Sarwar (Scottish Labour); Lorna Slater (Scottish Greens) Alex Cole-Hamilton (Scottish Liberal Democrat).
The Scottish Parliament is still currently closed to visitors due to pandemic restrictions, so only invited guests will be attending the opening ceremony in the building.
Live performances will be shown in the debating chamber via large TV screens.
Image source, PA MediaHer Majesty enters the parliament alongside Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone
The opening ceremony is a tradition started in 1999 to mark the beginning of every new session of the Scottish Parliament.
As at the last ceremony in 2016, The Queen will be greeted by Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
The Scottish Parliament's new presiding officer, Alison Johnstone, will also be among the welcoming party.
She will escort Her Majesty to the debating chamber before officially welcoming her on behalf of MSPs.
Image source, Royal Conservatoire of ScotlandThis year's event is being billed as a tribute to "local heroes" chosen from across Scotland for the part they have played during the pandemic and in their communities, both locally and nationally.
There will also be a recorded programme of music and entertainment which ceremony organisers say will reflect "the rich diversity of Scotland’s communities".
The Royal Conservatoire Brass will perform Fanfare for the Opening of Parliament 2021, composed by John Wallace and conducted by John Logan, from Glasgow Cathedral.
Michael Biggins, ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio Scotland’s Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2021, will also be performing Ae Fond Kiss by Robert Burns from ´óÏó´«Ã½ Pacific Quay in Glasgow.
Image source, PA MediaHer Majesty is greeted by crowds of people outside the Scottish Parliament
Good morning and welcome to our Live Page coverage as The Queen opens the new session of the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood.
Her Majesty will be joined at the ceremony by Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay.
´óÏó´«Ã½ Scotland will bring live coverage of the formal opening of the sixth Scottish Parliament.
Her Majesty the Queen will attend the Edinburgh ceremony.
The ´óÏó´«Ã½'s Laura Miller presents our coverage from 11am to 12 noon.