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The Scottish parliament
The silver mace of the Scottish Parliament The new Scottish Parliament was opened by the Queen on 1 July 1999. The Queen presented a silver mace to Scotland's first minister. The mace was designed and made by silversmith Michael Lloyd. The wording reads 'There shall be a Scottish Parliament - Scotland Act 1998'. The mace now sits in the new Scottish Parliament building in Holyrood , Edinburgh . This picture is available in a variety of sizes.
Early parliaments were meetings called by the king to discuss new laws and settle disputes. Earls and barons attended along with bishops and abbotts. Most of the important government posts were held by clerics. By the 14th century Scotland's towns were growing and the king realised they could be a source of revenue. In 1326 representatives of the burghs were called to parliament and tax laws were passed. In 1496 the first Education Act was passed to oblige landowners to have their children taught Latin so they could play a role in governemnt. In 1587 commissioners from the shires were introduced , again to raise tax.
The Great Hall , Stirling Castle
Parliament met in many different parts of the country. In 1255 it met in an Augustinian abbey which is now the site of the new parliament. At Stirling,Perth and Linlithgow , parliament would meet in the great hall of the royal residence. In Edinburgh it would meet in the Tollbooth. The Riding of Parliament was the official opening of the session when lords,commissioners and officers of state proceeded from the Palace of Holyrood House to Parliament. The new Scottish parliament building in Holyrood is now open . 25 pictures of the new Scottish Parliament available in digital format
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Scottish parliament
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