Holyrood Parliament launches programme to mark 20th birthday

A year-long programme to mark 20 years of the Scottish Parliament has been launched today.

Events to highlight the positive impact the Parliament has had on people in Scotland over the last two decades will include the launch of a new public exhibition telling the story of the Parliament; a series of family days; and a national photography competition to find the best images illustrating Holyrood’s 20-year history.

A special event in the debating chamber on Saturday 29 June will mark 20 years almost to the day since the Parliament officially opened. On the same day, the Parliament will open its doors to the people of Scotland for an afternoon of celebration and commemoration.

Details of the full programme will be released throughout the year, with many opportunities for people across Scotland to be involved.

As with its 10th anniversary, the Parliament is starting a nationwide search for people born on 1 July 1999, the date of the official opening, to invite them to take part in the 29 June celebration. Anyone who qualifies can contact 20years@parliament.scot.

Announcing the programme, Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh commented: "This 20th anniversary year is an ideal opportunity to reflect on how far we have come over the last two decades and to remind everyone of the positive impact the Scottish Parliament has had on people's lives.

"In a time of exasperation with politics and politicians, our programme has been designed to reinvigorate interest in Scottish politics and remind people that this is a Parliament for the whole of Scotland based on the values of openness and equality.

"The Parliament is also extremely keen to hear from the 163 young people in Scotland that share our birthday. We would like them to play a part in our year long programme of commemoration. So, this is an appeal to those '1 July babies' to come forward so we can celebrate together."