Charles joins MSPs at Kirking of Scottish Parliament
The Prince of Wales has joined Scotland's newly elected MSPs at a special ceremony before the first sitting of the new Scottish Parliament.
The Prince of Wales has joined Scotland's newly elected MSPs at a special ceremony before the first sitting of the new Scottish Parliament.
The Kirking of the Parliament was held at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh to mark the start of Holyrood's fifth session.
Nicola Sturgeon intends to lead a minority government after her party won 63 of the 129 seats in last week's election.
The evening service was attended by Charles, Duke of Rothesay, the new MSPs, representatives from organisations across Scotland, the diplomatic corps, faith groups and other guests.
The event came ahead of Thursday's opening session of parliament, when the new members will be sworn in. The new presiding officer and two deputies will also be elected.
St Giles' minister the Reverend Calum MacLeod led the service, which also included a reading by the Parliament's outgoing presiding officer Tricia Marwick, as well as interfaith blessings and a sermon by the Right Reverend Dr Angus Morrison, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
Music was provided by the National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Scotland, musicians from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and the choir of St Giles' Cathedral.
In his sermon, Rev Morrison congratulated those who have just been elected to such high office, but added that "I might want to remind the MSPs that the real boss is the people who elected them".
He highlighted challenges facing society including poverty, homelessness and loneliness, as he called for cross-party cooperation where possible.
"I appeal to all of you whom the citizens of this country have elected to serve as members of the Scottish Parliament to remember there will be times when party loyalty can be set aside in exchange for working together harmoniously and constructively for the good of Scotland and its people," he said.
Later, Scotland's party leaders greeted the Duke of Rothesay.
Ms Sturgeon was first in line to meet Charles at the city's Parliament Hall, now part of the Court of Session building.
He also met Ruth Davidson of the Conservatives, Labour's Kezia Dugdale, and Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie.
The royal guest and the politicians shook hands and chatted for several minutes before heading into a private reception.
Greens co-convenor Patrick Harvie was invited but did not attend.