The 25th anniversary of the Scottish parliament | UK News

The Scottish parliament is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

The inaugural meeting took place on 12 May 1999, less than a week after Scots went to the polls to vote in the first Holyrood election.

First Minister John Swinney was one of the 129 MSPs elected into the new parliament all those years ago.

Holyrood has had seven first ministers since 1999: Donald Dewar (1999-2000), Henry McLeish (2000-2001), Jack McConnell (2001-2007), Alex Salmond (2007-2014), Nicola Sturgeon (2014-2023), Humza Yousaf (2023-2024) and John Swinney (2024-present).

Alison Johnstone MSP, presiding officer of the Scottish parliament, told Sky News that reaching 25 is a “significant milestone” for Holyrood.

She added: “And it’s right that we take this opportunity to both reflect on achievements and look forward to the future.

“In its relatively short life, the parliament has become firmly established at the centre of Scottish public life. That is something we should be proud of.

“The parliament has always sought to stay true to its founding principles of openness, accessibility, sharing power and equal opportunity.

“Recognising that Scotland is a very different place to what it was in 1999, we must continue to evolve and reflect that.”

As presiding officer, Ms Johnstone would like to use the anniversary to “continue a conversation with the Scottish people about their hopes for their parliament for the next 25 years”.

She added: “I want to see a parliament that remains relevant and responsive and reflects the people it serves.

“I want to see a parliament for all and one in which people’s voices are represented.

“We have good…