The Royal Opening of Scotland's 7th parliamentary session will take place at Holyrood on Saturday with King Charles and Queen Camilla in attendance, even though MSPs are entering their summer recess. The timing follows a convention established in 1999 when recesses were aligned with school holidays; the Saturday date also enables greater public participation during Royal Week. The event will include pageantry, speeches, performances (including a BSL youth choir), a poem by the Makar Peter MacKay, and a reception for chosen local heroes such as four‑year‑old Gregor Corse.
Why Is the King Opening Scotland's Parliament During the Summer Recess? The Tradition Behind Holyrood's Royal Opening
King Charles was last at Holyrood two years ago to celebrate 25 years since the opening of the Scottish Parliament [Getty Images]
King Charles and Queen Camilla will attend Holyrood on Saturday to mark the formal start of the Scottish Parliament's seventh session — a ceremony that many new MSPs have found strikingly timed because it falls as they begin their summer recess.
Why Is the Ceremony Held During Recess?
The timing is a long-standing convention that dates back to the parliament's first Royal Opening on 1 July 1999, when the newly created law-making body formally acquired its powers. Recesses were scheduled to align with school holidays to make Holyrood more family friendly, so the Royal Opening landed at the start of July when chamber business would typically pause for July and August.
Four-year-old "local hero" Gregor Corse, from Orkney, is excited to meet the King [BBC]
Parliament chief executive David McGill says picking a Saturday close to that anniversary helps invite public participation and civic celebration. It also gives newly elected MSPs time to choose a “local hero” — a representative invited to the opening since 2007 — before they return to constituency work for the summer.
What Will Happen at the Opening?
The ceremony will feature traditional pageantry, speeches from the King, the Presiding Officer and the First Minister, and a programme of music and performance. The Makar, Peter MacKay, has been commissioned to read a new poem, "Let This Hall Be Full of Noises," written in seven seven-line stanzas to mark the 7th session.
Mace bearer Robert White is usually the Scottish Parliament's postman [BBC]
Cultural highlights include the National Youth Choir of Scotland's BSL Youth Choir (which integrates sign language), performances by musicians Rachel Groves and Ellie Beaton from Aberdeenshire, and a drama piece from Lyceum Youth Theatre members. Thomas Candlin, 17, who is taking part, described the experience as an exciting but nerve‑racking national moment.
Regalia, Procession and People
Historic items will be part of the procession: the Crown of Scotland (famously used at Mary, Queen of Scots' coronation in 1543) will appear, and athletes headed to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow will bear the Elizabeth Sword. Even the parliament’s postman, Robert White, will be part of the ceremony — carrying the mace rather than the mail — and has been rehearsing the measured pace required for the role.
Scotland's Makar, Peter MacKay, has been commissioned to write a poem to mark the occasion [BBC]
The Royal Opening coincides with Royal Week in Scotland, when the monarchs stay at the Palace of Holyroodhouse and undertake public engagements across the country. Presiding Officer Kenneth Gibson said the start of a new parliament symbolises optimism and renewal, and it is fitting the King and Queen join that moment.
Local Heroes And Community Focus
After the formal proceedings, Their Majesties will meet a selection of “local heroes” chosen to represent constituencies and regions. Among them is four‑year‑old Gregor Corse from Orkney, the youngest-ever local hero, who raised £70,000 for charity by doing laps around his house with a walking frame despite a brain condition affecting his balance. His mother, Iona, said Gregor is excited to meet the King.
Political Reactions
Some newly elected MSPs have said the timing feels odd. SNP MSP Heather Anderson noted the awkward rhythm for new parliamentarians preparing to learn procedures only to go on a two-month break. Green MSP Iris Duane, a republican, echoed concerns about the timing, saying the opening represents an early step towards serving constituents. Other members, including Reform UK’s Jamie Langan and Labour’s Katherine Sangster, said they welcomed the royal attendance even if the date seemed unconventional.
Broadcast Details
The Royal Opening will be broadcast live on BBC Scotland at 11:30 on Saturday.
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