Memories of a day never to be forgotten at parliament

Published on Wednesday 1 July 2009 09:57

IT was a moment the country had waited more than 300 years to see.

Ten years ago today, the Capital's streets were packed with thousands of cheering onlookers celebrating the opening of the Scottish Parliament. On that day, the city welcomed celebrities – including Sean Connery and Shirley Manson – royalty and politicians, to witness the Queen grant Scotland its own legislative powers on 1 July 1999 – the first time since the 1707 Act of Union.

The city played host to a 24-hour party, the centrepiece of which was a procession led by the Queen to the parliament's temporary home on The Mound – the building at Holyrood would not be finished for another five years.

But it was not just a day for heads of state and Hollywood stars. From those who lined the streets to those who made a day of glamour and history-making possible behind the scenes, there were hundreds of people who played a part.

Today, as the nation reflects on a decade of devolution, some of those involved recall what they were doing on that historic day – and what they think of the Scottish Parliament ten years on.

THE ONLOOKER

"I SPECIFICALLY remember Sean Connery looking over and waving," laughs Rose Norton. "He was wearing full Highland dress in the procession."

The 52-year-old was one of thousands crammed on The Mound, watching from her shop, Coda Music.

"The staff were at the window and the street was packed. It was a wonderful, party atmosphere with people clapping and cheering. I remember the Queen passing in her carriage and then lots of politicians, including Donald Dewer, and of course Sean Connery, which was fabulous.

"Across the road, staff at the Bank of Scotland were out on their balcony watching."

The day before, when Rose had a day off work, her staff were stunned when the traditional Scottish singer Sheena Wellington, in town for the celebrations, arrived at the shop to use the toilet. "Apparently, she just popped in to see if she could use our facilities," says Rose.

"From the shop, we see lots of things, from demonstrations to Orange marches, but there was nothing quite like the opening of Parliament.

"I really felt we were part of history in the making. It's been a very interesting ten years, but I thought Scotland would have had independence by now."

THE PIPER

PIPER Grant Walker vividly remembers the night before the opening of Parliament when his band performed in front of a star-studded crowd at Our Dynamic Earth. "We played on the steps for the guests, but my brother Ross, our pipe major, had forgotten his correct shoes," the 44-year-old Bathgate musician says.

"He had to hide strategically on a step so nobody could see he was wearing the wrong footwear."

Thankfully for Grant and the Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band, the next day ran like clockwork after they arrived by train in the Capital as one of three pipe bands chosen to perform for the Queen.

"We had on what we call our 'shortbread tin' outfits – the full tartan and the hats, so we were very warm," he says. "I have nothing but great memories from the day and we felt very privileged to be part of it. I also feel we can see the difference the parliament is making in Scotland now.

"My strongest memory from the opening will always be walking along Princes Street with the massed bands, getting as far as Debenhams before the Red Arrows flew overhead. We were noisy enough still to be heard, though."

THE CROWN PROTECTOR

RICHARD Welander modestly plays down his role in the opening of the Scottish Parliament, but even the slightest mistake on his behalf would have had serious consequences.

As head of collections with Historic Scotland, he had the nerve-wracking job of taking responsibility for the Crown of Scotland as it made its way under tight security from Edinburgh Castle down to The Mound to form part of the historic occasion.

"One of my fears was when the Duke of Hamilton, having been presented with the crown, was to take it in a Rolls-Royce to The Mound," Richard, 54, explains. "I was concerned about how driving over cobbles would affect the delicate jewels. In the end, we placed it on an oak support, for protection."

From strict police escorts to thorough cleaning of the crown, Richard ensured the item – which forms part of the Honours of Scotland – had a safe day out, before returning home to the Castle.

"I watched most of the opening of parliament from a cupboard in the Assembly Hall," he says.

"It was where we had been preparing the crown before the Queen arrived. The thrill for me was lurking in this cupboard while everyone came up the flight of stairs.

"I was peeking out, aware of the colossal sense of history on the occasion. It was fantastic."

THE PERFORMER

MUSICIAN Maeve Gilchrist was just 13 when she took to the main stage in Princes Street Gardens as a member of the City of Edinburgh Music School to mark the Scottish Parliament's opening.

Armed with her electric harp, she was one of a selected group of outstanding performers chosen to play on the occasion – a moment she will never forget.

"We played a piece called McKay's Memoirs which was very emotional, accompanied by pipes," she explains.

"I remember feeling something special about the day, even though I was young and not political.

"At the time, the Scottish traditional music scene was filled with pride and my grandad was very emotional too."

Originally from Portobello, Maeve is now based in the US as a professional recording artist.

"I also remember playing at Our Dynamic Earth as part of the parliament celebrations.

"Although it was fantastic, I was absolutely freezing," she adds and laughs.

THE FIRST-AIDER

"IT was a very exciting day and we knew we were involved in something historic, but we were just doing our job," explains first-aider Alex Aitken.

Alex was duty officer for St Andrew's First Aid ten years ago today, managing volunteers on The Mound and the Royal Mile, working with the Scottish Ambulance Service.

"I was based on the Castle Esplanade," the 36-year-old from Prestonpans recalls.

"I didn't really see much of the procession, but I did see the crown being driven away, which was very exciting.

"Then I heard the roar of the Red Arrows flying overhead. I had a great view of that."

That evening, Alex managed volunteers at the Garbage concert in Princes Street Gardens, eventually arriving home "exhausted".

"I don't give it a second thought though," he says. "It was a long day but it was great."

He believes the Scottish Parliament has been a success, particularly for implementing free health care for the elderly.

"But do I think we should have spent so much on the building? No," he says.