THE Queen has urged the Scottish Parliament to continue to reflect the "priorities and aspirations" of all the people of Scotland.
THE Queen has urged the Scottish Parliament to continue to reflect the "priorities and aspirations" of all the people of Scotland.
The call came in a speech to MSPs to mark 10 years of devolution in Scotland.
To make the speech she travelled the short distance from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to the new Parliament building.
She inaugurated the new Parliament in its then temporary home on July 1 1999 and yesterday was the sixth time she had addressed MSPs.
In her speech she said she had since followed its progress "with great interest" and had been struck by MSPs' spirit of "engagement and innovation" as they sought to fulfil their commitment to serve the people of Scotland.
The Queen went on: "Your challenge over the coming years is to take the Scottish Parliament forward on the next stage of its journey, to build upon those strong foundations."
Arriving at the Parliament earlier, the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh were greeted by Scotland's party leaders in the Garden Lobby.
They met First Minister Alex Salmond before being introduced to Labour leader Iain Gray, Tory leader Annabel Goldie and Liberal Democrat leader Tavish Scott.
The Queen, who appeared to be struggling with a cold, wore a cream outfit with a faint black pattern.
She was accompanied into thee debating Chamber by Presiding Officer Alex Fergusson, wearing trews in the Scottish Parliament's own tartan.
First Minister Alex Salmond said in an address that the Parliament has achieved some "notable legislative successes" over the past decade.
Mr Salmond said: "Scotland led the UK in banning smoking in public places and will lead the world in reducing carbon emissions.
"These are things in which all Scots should take pride."
Birthday kids meet royals
THE Queen joined dozens of 10-year-olds at a giant birthday party at Holyrood.
The 142 children, some returning to Scotland from countries including Canada and Germany, were invited to help mark the 10th anniversary of devolution.
The youngsters were traced in an eight-month effort to find all 163 born in Scotland on July 1, 1999.
The Queen and Prince Philip toured the parliament's main hall, which was transformed with tables surrounded by children busily creating "happy birthday" posters from cut-up photographs.
Grant Hill, from Glasgow, was given some advice from the Queen as she inspected his craftwork.
He said: "She said I should keep working hard, then she wished me happy birthday.
"I felt really excited to meet everybody."
Greenock-born Chloe McDonald, who now lives in Ontario, Canada, also spoke to the royal couple.
She said: "They were very interested in what we were doing. I'm excited I got to meet the Queen."
Chloe, whose family left Scotland last year, was also celebrating Canada Day.
