Four Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs) took centre stage at one of Scotland’s most important civic occasions after being selected to perform ceremonial roles at the official Opening Ceremony of the Scottish Parliament in the presence of Their Majesties The King and Queen (Saturday, 27 June 2026).
The Opening Ceremony takes place only once every five years, following each Scottish Parliament election, and ranks among the most significant fixtures in the country’s parliamentary calendar.
It brings MSPs, their families, young people, and local heroes nominated by MSPs from across Scotland together at Holyrood alongside the ancient Honours of Scotland, including the Crown of Scotland and a ceremonial state sword, The Elizabeth Sword.
Angus South MYSP Marcus Flucker and RNIB Scotland MSYP Eilidh Morrison were Escorts to the Crown of Scotland and the Elizabeth Sword, sharing the role with the Lord Lyon King of Arms and the Duke of Hamilton and Brandon, who have long-standing ceremonial responsibilities connected to Scotland’s royal regalia.
Eilidh Morrison said:
I was really excited about being part of the state opening of the seventh session of the Scottish Parliament, especially as a blind young person to make our community seen in society.
Marcus, who is also vice chair of SYP, added:
To be part of the Escort to the Crown procession is a great privilege and I was immensely proud to be involved. It is fantastic that young people from across Scotland are given the opportunity to participate in such an important event.
Chair of SYP, Ellie Craig (Glasgow Cathcart), and Hamish Nott (Inverness and Nairn) took part in the Guard of Honour, which lined the route taken by Their Majesties and the Honours as they arrived and departed the Parliament.
Ellie said:
It was a wonderful opportunity to be involved in such a historic event like the state opening. Events like this bring SYP’s partnership with the Scottish Parliament to life and helps centre the young people of Scotland within a very special day for their parliament.
Hamish Nott added:
It was a true privilege to be part of the guard of honour. Involving young people and youth organisations in unique events like this not only shows the strength of the relationship between the parliament and SYP, but shines a spotlight on Scotland’s young leaders.
Traditionally the ceremonial roles are carried out by distinguished office holders, but sharing the roles with the MSYPs and representatives from a cross-section of other youth organisations highlighted the historical importance of the ceremony and the involvement of young people in Scotland’s public life.
The proceedings began with the Crown of Scotland being escorted from Edinburgh Castle down the Royal Mile before being taken into the Debating Chamber alongside the Elizabeth Sword. After opening remarks by The Presiding Officer, Kenneth Gibson MSP, the King addressed the Chamber before First Minister John Swinney responded on the Parliament’s behalf.
Established on 30th June 1999, the Scottish Youth Parliament is the democratically elected voice of Scotland’s young people, representing young people aged 14 to 25 from every local authority area and a range of national voluntary organisations. Through campaigning, consultation and representation, it works to uphold and protect young people’s rights, ensuring young people’s views shape decisions affecting their lives.
The event also included specially commissioned performances by the National Youth Choir of Scotland and National Theatre of Scotland to celebrate their respective 30th and 20th anniversaries.