We are all, at the end of each day, united by our love of Scotland.

I know that the Scottish Parliament and the people of Scotland share with me a profound sense of grief at the death of my beloved mother.

I have spoken before of my deep and abiding affection for this wonderful country, and of the many happy memories Prince Philip and I always held of our time here.

It is perhaps worth reflecting that at the heart of the word “Parliament” lies its original meaning: a place to talk. I have no doubt that for most of these last twenty years...

It is a pleasure to be invited to address you on this special occasion to mark the opening of the fifth session of the Scottish Parliament

Now, in its second decade, the Scottish Parliament is firmly established as an integral part of Scottish public life.

I have been struck by the spirit of engagement and innovation shown by the Members as you seek to fulfil your commitment to serve the people of Scotland.

We meet in a remarkably open and transparent chamber, where this Parliament sits in the round in European fashion.

We see in this new Parliament, even after four short years, clear signs of a legislature that is distinctly Scottish.

This December we are looking back not just on one year, but on a hundred years and a thousand years.