A FORMER SNP MP has joined an anti-monarchy protest as the King and Queen attended the 25th anniversary celebrations of the Scottish Parliament.
Tommy Sheppard said there were “lots of confused tourists” as he joined a “small but disciplined protest” organised by anti-monarchy campaign group Republic outside Holyrood on Saturday morning.
The royals are attending celebrations marking 25 years since the Scottish Parliament was first formed in 1999.
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They were then greeted by all Scottish party leaders, including Russell Findlay, who was announced as leader of the Scottish Tories on Friday.
Small but disciplined protest against monarchy this morning in Edinburgh.
— Tommy Sheppard (@TommySheppard) September 28, 2024
Lots of confused tourists but few royal supporters in evidence. pic.twitter.com/cBp6RtTN5Z
The day was marked by speeches from Johnstone, the King, John Swinney and other party leaders.
The King said the Scottish Parliament has the ability to “touch and to improve the lives of so many individuals”.
“This place has not just thrived, but in doing so has borne witness to the enduring relationship between Parliament, the Crown and the people of Scotland,” he added.
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Addressing the chamber, Swinney (below) said the day marked “25 years in which the Scottish Parliament has changed lives for the better”.
He continued: “In such a short space of time, in the rich voyage of Scotland as a vessel of enlightenment, invention and creativity, this Parliament has placed itself at the very heart of the nation”
Prior to the proceedings, the First Minister shared a picture of his family stood outside Bute House, where they were leaving to Edinburgh Castle to approve the Scottish Crown Jewels being taken to Parliament.
Leaving Bute House with Elizabeth and Matthew for the 25th anniversary of the re-establishment of @ScotParl. First commitment is at Edinburgh Castle to approve the Crown being taken to Parliament. pic.twitter.com/i50N7A1elJ
— John Swinney (@JohnSwinney) September 28, 2024
Meanwhile, Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie said “we still have far to go” in ensuring the Scottish Parliament works for everyone in Scotland.
“It took too long to begin this journey. Years, decades, generations for Scotland to achieve what it needed and demanded,” he told the chamber.
“This Parliament isn’t yet strong enough to defend against efforts to undermine Scotland’s right to decide for itself, even on devolved matters.”
Harvie added: “The full promise and possibility of a Parliament for Scotland can still be realised.”
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