26.01.2007
Scottish Parliament in Pictures 1999-2007 is the theme of a new photography exhibition launched by the Parliament to coincide with the Microsoft Government Leaders Forum Europe taking place next week.
The photographs illustrate, to around 400 international delegates attending the Forum, the history and activities of the Scottish Parliament, which is the first legislature to host the Forum.
The exhibition will be on display in the Garden Lobby from today, whilst a virtual exhibition is available on the Parliament’s website.
The exhibition shows 24 photographs illustrating the range of parliamentary business, visits and engagement events undertaken since 1999. Among the picture highlights are:
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1999: The swearing in of Winnie Ewing MSP who, as the oldest member of Parliament, chaired its first meeting. Her opening words were “The Scottish Parliament, adjourned on the 25th day of March 1707, is hereby reconvened.”
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2001: A visit by Sir David Steel, then Presiding Officer, to Ground Zero in New York
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2001 & 2005: The visits by South African President Thabo Mbeki, the first Head of State to address Members, and the President of Malawi, His Excellency, Dr Bingu wa Mutharika
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2003: Her Majesty the Queen opening the second session of Parliament
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2004: An address to MSPs by His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, during Time for Reflection
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2005: Actress and human rights campaigner, Vanessa Redgrave, speaking to Presiding Officer George Reid MSP during the first Festival of Politics
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2006: The visit of His Royal Highness, Prince Charles, The Duke of Rothesay, and Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Rothesay, on the occasion of the Prince’s Trust Scotland 30th anniversary celebrations
The Presiding Officer, George Reid MSP, said:
"A picture says a thousand words, and this Scottish Parliament in Pictures exhibition captures a working Parliament in action during the past eight years. From the first meeting of the Parliament on the Mound to our new surroundings at Holyrood, it highlights the work of MSPs and some fascinating visitors from around the world.”
The exhibition also includes pictures of Committee visits outside of Edinburgh, the launch of the Parliament’s e-petition system and the procession down the Royal Mile to mark the official opening of the new Parliament building in October 2004.
The collection was produced by the Parliament’s photography team who can be contacted at photography@scottish.parliament.uk.