On the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament, King Charles gave a speech in which he discussed the importance of the values inscribed on the mace his late mother gave the Parliament 25 years ago: wisdom, justice, compassion, and integrity, all of which he described as the most Scottish of values. He further acknowledged the challenges presented by today’s world, such as climate change, and how crucial it is to ensure that such values are not abandoned in the face of increasingly polarised and divided politics. The King and his wife, the Queen, visited local heroes during their trip to the Parliament and were treated to musical performances from acts such as Còisir Alba and Calum McIlroy.
The King spoke of his love for Scotland and the country’s unique place in his heart, which was shared by his beloved grandmother and late mother, who spent her final days in Balmoral. He praised Scotland’s diversity by stating that anyone who witnesses Scotland’s unique Caledonian kaleidoscope would be moved by it. The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, System Scotland, and Gaelic song chorus Còisir Alba also performed, each showcasing the excellence and diversity that make this great nation what it is today.
The leaders of Scotland’s political parties also spoke in the Parliament following the King’s speech. Scottish First Minister and SNP leader John Swinney cited various accomplishments of the Scottish Parliament, such as marriage equality, in making Scotland a fairer society. The newly elected Scottish Tory leader, Russell Findlay, challenged the Parliament to “realign” itself with the public, arguing that too many people are “detached” from the house. Meanwhile, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar expressed his belief that Scotland’s best days are yet to come, and Alex Cole-Hamilton of the Scottish Liberal Democrats described the Parliament as a “cathedral of ideas,” emphasising how transformative it can be for people’s lives. The Scottish Greens co-leader, Patrick Harvie, also emphasised that the Parliament’s “journey is far from complete.”
Outside, a group of republicans peacefully demonstrated against the monarchy, chanting “Not My King” and waving yellow and black “Down with the Crown” placards as the royal couple drove to the Scottish Parliament. Despite this, the anniversary and King’s visit were largely well-received, with many Scottish people celebrating the significance of the occasion and reflecting on how the Parliament has changed their lives “for the better” over the past 25 years
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