22.05.2007
Members of the public have the chance to take part in an historic occasion at the Scottish Parliament, as part of a nationwide ticket draw opening today.
On offer are pairs of tickets for seats to sit in the Debating Chamber to see the ceremony where Her Majesty The Queen will address Members of Scottish Parliament (MSPs) for the first time in the new session.
The unique draw is open to everyone in Scotland – and eight members of the public from the eight parliamentary regions across the country will be chosen randomly from the entries.
Eight winners and their guests will receive formal invitations to attend the events at Holyrood and free travel between their local region and Edinburgh on Saturday 30 June.
Presiding Officer, Alex Fergusson MSP, said:
“We are delighted to open our doors to people from across the country to take part in an event which will be a celebration of today’s Scotland – defined as much by its rich heritage as its modern achievements.
“Once again, by putting the people at the heart of Parliament, we are sure that this will be a day for all of Scotland to enjoy.”
The ceremony will start with an address in the Chamber by Her Majesty The Queen to the newly elected MSPs and guests, followed by a Riding – marking the old Scots tradition where members of the public and the newly elected Members come together.
The Riding will involve more than 1,200 people from throughout Scotland selected to highlight achievements in the fields of education, enterprise, science and nature, society, sport and culture, and international.
Scotland ’s newly elected MSPs will also nominate ‘local heroes’ to take part in the Riding, which will run through the Old Town , down the Royal Mile and into the landscaped gardens of the Parliament. ‘Local heroes’ are people from the MSP’s constituency or region who they believe have made a contribution to the lives of other Scottish people either locally or nationally.
The day will culminate in a free open air concert in the Parliament’s landscaped gardens where the acts will include live music – traditional, contemporary, multi-cultural and international – drama and dance and the opportunity to visit the public areas of the Parliament building.
Ticket winners will be able to take part in all three aspects of the day.
How to apply
There are a limited number of tickets available to the public for this event. If you would like to apply for tickets, please write to:
Session Three Ceremony
Visitor Services
The Scottish Parliament
Edinburgh
EH99 1SP
You may apply for up to two tickets. You must supply the following information for each person who wishes to attend:
Title
First name and any middle names
Full surname plus any maiden name(s) or any previous name(s) used
Full date of birth e.g., 12.02.54
Full address plus postcode
Previous addresses for the past 5 years
Daytime contact telephone number
Ticket applications must reach us no later than 12 noon , Friday 1 June . Tickets will be allocated by a random draw . Successful applicants will be notified by Monday 11th June at the latest and will be given detailed instructions on the arrangements for the event, including the transport plans.
Please note that we cannot accept any telephone or email enquiries for tickets for this event.
Programme for 30 June
More details of the programme and the riding route will be released in the first week of June.
Morning
Debating Chamber: Address by Her Majesty The Queen in the Parliament’s main chamber.
Holyrood’s Main Hall: The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh will meet people from across Scotland .
Lunchtime
The Riding: Over 1,200 people representing all fields of Scottish achievement, interspersed with bands, banners and performers will make their way down the Royal Mile to Holyrood.
Afternoon
Landscaped gardens: A free public event with live music – traditional, contemporary, multi-cultural and international – drama and dance.
Free exhibitions: In the Scottish Parliament building.