The King has urged MSPs to use the 25th anniversary of the reconvening of the Scottish Parliament to mark “the beginning of the next chapter” for the country.
In an address to Holyrood that was both personal and political, he paid tribute to what he described as the “complex Caledonian kaleidoscope.”
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Charles, accompanied by Camilla, told MSPs that the opening of the Parliament had been a “landmark” moment for the Union.
“This Parliament opened on the first day of July 1999 on the cusp of a new millennium. It marked a new dawn for Scotland, one filled with anticipation, optimism and hope.
"Alongside the late Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, I listened in the Palace of Holyroodhouse that day with great interest as the then First Minister spoke of a new voice, of new dreams of a new and renewed Scotland.
“It was an extraordinary occasion for all manner of reasons, not least the fact that it came almost 300 years after the Act of Union of the Westminster and Scottish Parliament on the first of May 1707.
“It was a landmark in a long, rich and complex story which we have shared over many centuries.
The King, who is known to be passionate about the climate, added: “As we look ahead to the next quarter of a century and beyond, there remains much more to be done for Scotland, for the United Kingdom, and equally, in addressing the challenges we all share as inhabitants of a planet whose climate is changing dangerously, and whose biodiversity is being seriously depleted.
“Let this moment therefore be the beginning of the next chapter.
“The achievement of the past and the commitment shown in the present give us the soundest basis for confidence in the future.”
The King also hailed Scotland’s “natural beauty” and “strength of character”.
He added: “From the central belt to the north Highlands, across the islands, in Ayrshire, in the Borders, the cities, towns and villages, all the coastal communities, who I wonder, could not fail to be moved by this complex Caledonian kaleidoscope?
“Speaking from a personal perspective, Scotland has always had a uniquely special place in the hearts of my family and myself,” he told the chamber.
“My beloved grandmother was proudly Scottish, my late mother especially treasured the time spent at Balmoral, and it was there in the most beloved of places, where she chose to spend her final days.”
Charles and Camilla were met at the Queensberry House entrance to the Parliament building by Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone.
Opening proceedings, she there was “much to reflect on and to celebrate.”
“And as we move into the next quarter century and beyond, we will continue. to grow as Parliamentarians, as well as politicians.
“To debate in good faith and, where we might disagree wholeheartedly, to do so with respect for one another.
“To optimise scrutiny to best enable Parliament to hold government to account.
“To strive to best represent all who call Scotland home. This is our common purpose.”
In his speech, John Swinney spoke about the “twists and turns in the long voyage of our nation.”
Parliament, he said, had become the “gathering place for the people of Scotland.”
“On days of joy, like today, when we celebrate the positive impact of this new voice in our land.
"On days of sorrow, when we gave thanks for the lifetime of service of her late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth.
"On days of anguish, where people come to protest, sometimes rather uncomfortably for me, when they’re protesting about the government.
"On days of aspiration, where People come to encourage or perhaps even cajole Parliament into action.
“In such a short space of time, in the rich voyage of Scotland as a vessel of enlightenment, invention and creativity, this Parliament has placed itself at the very heart of the nation.”
Mr Swinney went on to speak about the “unending possibilities of Scottish self government.”
“For 25 years, Scotland has grown in confidence as she has raised up this new institution at her very heart, this Parliament, has been steadfast in its compassion for the most vulnerable in our society, and full of aspiration for the advancement of all.
“In the next quarter century, it is my hope that Scotland's democratic institutions continue to evolve and to break new ground as we embark on the next chapter of Scottish self government, on our voyage of intent.
“I hope that Scotland will continue to shine as a beginning of enlightenment across stormy seas, a refuge for reason in the world, a wellspring of modern thought and creativity.”
In his speech, the new Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay said support for “the principle of a devolved Scottish Parliament within the United Kingdom remains firm.”
“And that is welcome,” he added. “This Parliament possesses and has exercised significant powers impacting the people of Scotland.
“However, no matter its past achievements, it is the present and future which must concern us as members of this Parliament.
“We must listen to the voices of many across our country who worry that their concerns are overlooked by their elected representatives.
“The debate within this chamber must reflect the concerns of those on the outside.”
He said there were still too many people in Scotland, who felt the chamber was “detached from their everyday lives.”
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said that while there had been some advances in the Holyrood’s 25 years, he suspected “the father of this Parliament, Donald Dewar, would have wanted us to go further.”
“So while today is a time for reflection, it's also a time to look to the future. Because despite the change that devolution has delivered, challenges remain.
“Too many Scots are growing up in poverty. Too many Scots are losing loved ones to drugs and alcohol.
“Too many Scots cannot get the health care they need and deserve. So I hope today we can all recommit our resolve to deliver the true potential of devolution and the true potential of Scotland today.”
In his speech, Patrick Harvie, the co-convenor of the Scottish Greens, said that since 1999, the Parliament had “grown in confidence, and shown the ability to create the change Scotland needs.
“The journey is far from complete,” he added, “as Parliament isn't yet strong enough to defend against efforts to undermine Scotland's right to decide for itself, even on devolved matters.
“The full promise and possibility of a Parliament of Scotland can still be realised, a society grounded in the principle of equality, in which our wealth is fairly shared, instead of hoarded by the few, in which all power is democratically accountable and in which everyone in every community can live well within the environmental limits our world provides.
“We still have far to go.”
Lib Dem leader, Alex Cole-Hamilton told the King and Queen and his fellow MSPs that he loved Holyrood.
“I have never stopped loving it. It can be a bear pit, full of rancour and acrimony.
“But we’ve shown it can also be a cathedral of ideas, of shared endeavour where the needs and interests of the people who sent us here are paramount and supreme.”
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