Queen's speech: Holyrood 'has truly come of age'

Accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, she addressed MSPs and other guests in the Holyrood chamber at the opening of the fourth session yesterday.

The ceremony also included a speech from Presiding Officer Tricia Marwick and a programme of music and Scots poetry, as part of a wider celebration featuring a "riding" of the Royal Mile, a military procession and an open day at Holyrood.

The Queen said: "In earlier addresses, I have pointed to the particular difficulties which confront a new and developing legislature. Now, in its second decade, the Scottish Parliament is firmly established as an integral part of Scottish public life.

"The maturity of the legislation passed and the well-tested processes given rise to are evidence that the Scottish Parliament has truly come of age.

"This is an achievement of which all members past and present should be proud.

"A very great deal is asked of Scotland's elected politicians. Perhaps as much now as ever before.

"Among the Scottish people, the roles and responsibilities of this parliament and all its members are probably better known and understood than at any stage in the past 12 years."

The Queen went on to describe how the parliament's work was carried out in the presence of the mace, presented in 1999.

"The mace, with just a few words engraved on it, is a reminder of your responsibilities to the people of Scotland. To govern with wisdom and compassion, to make fair and just laws, and to show integrity in all you do," she said.

"You are charged to give these words meaning in the face of the constant and competing demands that will be placed upon you."