Kirking of the Parliament

The ‘Kirking of the Parliament’ will take place in St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh, today Tuesday 8th May, the eve of the Third Session of the Scottish Parliament.

His Royal Highness The Prince Charles Duke of Rothesay will be joined by newly elected MSPs, representatives of Scotland’s faiths and other guests from across Scotland.

The Very Reverend Gilleasbuig Macmillan, who led the Kirking ceremonies in 1999 and 2003, will lead the evening service.

This will be followed tomorrow, Wednesday, by the official swearing in ceremony for MSPs.

The Third Session of the Parliament is to be opened on 30 June, and will be attended by the Queen. It will again feature a "riding" down the Royal Mile, which will involve around 1,200 people selected to highlight achievements across every constituency and region of Scotland.