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Scottish Traveller Education Programme

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The Riding: Ceremony of Commencement of the Scottish Parliament - Saturday 30 June 2007

STEP was delighted to accept the Scottish Parliament’s invitation to participate in the official events planned to mark the commencement of the Third Session of the Scottish Parliament. The day began with an Address by Her Majesty, The Queen in the chamber of the Scottish Parliament. Billed as, A celebration of Today’s Scotland, the events included a grand parade or Riding, which proceeded down the Royal Mile past the Parliament, and into the landscaped gardens beyond. Her Majesty and Prince Philip enjoyed the parade from the safety of an awning set up outside the parliament.

About 1200 invited guests cheered the parade as it passed by. The parade was made up of representatives of Scottish bodies and civic society, school children and people from every constituency across Scotland, including Mary Hendry and Alex Kennedy who were invited to represent Gypsy/Traveller folk. A lively program of performances followed, which included traditional and contemporary music that reflected the fusion of Scotland’s multi-cultural society and its strong international links. All guests enjoyed the music and the Picnic at the Parliament, which completed the events.