MSPs have been sworn in at the Scottish Parliament by swearing allegiance to the Queen.

However, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, made a statement on behalf of the 63 SNP MSPs pledging loyalty to the people of Scotland as previous SNP party leaders have done at earlier ceremonies and some MSPs made their own protests.

All MSPs must take either an oath to god or a legal affirmation which states: “I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to her majesty Queen Elizabeth, her heirs and successors.”

Ms Sturgeon was first up and chose to take the affirmation “according to law” rather than “so help me god” but beforehand stated: “The Scottish National Party pledges loyalty the people of Scotland, in line with the Scottish constitutional tradition of the sovereignty of the people.”

Green Party leader, Patrick Harvie, went further on behalf of his party’s six MSPs, calling for an end to the monarchy as others looked on.

He said: “On behalf of the Scottish Green party and our MSPs, I would like to reaffirm that our priority will always be to serve the people of Scotland, who are sovereign. And that we support the principle of an elected head of state.”

Labour MSP Neil Findlay made his own protest, the first of only a few non-party leaders to deviate from the procedure.

He said: “Before taking the oath I state that I believe that the people of Scotland should be citizens not subjects, and that I hold firm that my allegiance should first and foremost be to them.”

He said he was aware that to “serve my constituents I must meet the legal requirements of taking the oath.”

Earlier this year Mr Findlay was heard shouting “liar” at First Minister Nicola Sturgeon during questions.

He was asked by the Presiding officer to withdraw the remark as it was “unparliamentary”

He agreed and instead he said he would like to replace it with “dishonest”.

Labour MSP Elaine Smith repeated the same statement made by Mr Findlay and Green MSP Mark Ruskell said: “In my heart my allegiance is to the people of Scotland.”

New Green MSP Ross Greer, the youngest ever MSP, aged 21, took the affirmation with a raised clenched fist.