The King and Queen are at Holyrood this weekend to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament, described as being "reconvened". This term was originally used by MSP Winnie Ewing when she opened the devolved parliament back in 1999. Her choice of words has led some to reflect on the significant evolution since the 18th-century parliament of what was once an independent Scotland. Much of what characterizes today’s Parliament starkly contrasts with its historical predecessor, which consisted of aristocrats and landowners. Instead, Holyrood embodies Scotland's democratic aspirations, representing the will of the electorate.
For the Labour Party, which played a pivotal role in establishing devolution, one of the primary goals was to reduce nationalist demands for independence by facilitating more local decision-making. At the dawn of the new Parliament, Labour's shadow Scottish secretary, George Robertson, predicted devolution could effectively silence the Scottish National Party (SNP). On the flip side, some critics cautioned against the potential of devolution leading to complete independence, describing it as akin to “a motorway without exit.” While this topic remains debated, the reality of Scottish politics has grown increasingly complex over these 25 years.
Despite the initial expectations, devolution did not eliminate the SNP but gave it the platform to evolve from protest party to political power. Over the past 17 years, the SNP has surged to prominence, keeping discussions about constitutional politics alive, frustrating some opponents who would prefer to redirect focus to public service reforms, including healthcare and education.
Since its establishment, the Scottish Parliament has expanded its remit significantly. With almost complete control over income tax and various other responsibilities, it has acquired substantial power. From passing major legislation like the smoking ban and minimum alcohol pricing to legalizing same-sex marriage, Holyrood has been instrumental in shaping modern Scotland.
One of the remarkable aspects of devolution has been its emphasis on providing free or subsidized public services. Free prescriptions, personal care for the elderly, and university tuition are just some of the much-appreciated benefits brought forward. Nevertheless, as economic pressures mount, there are growing concerns about the sustainability of these services. The funding for the Parliament largely stems from the UK Treasury block grant, and there are questions about the Parliament's ability to generate its own funding consistently.
The introduction of the UK internal market after Brexit complicated matters. This legislation allowed the Westminster government to block certain Scottish initiatives, including proposals for deposit schemes on bottles, as well as reforms concerning gender recognition. Such interventions have led to rising tensions between the Scottish and UK governments, as politicians from the SNP express frustration at what they see as unionist overreach.
Despite these challenges, significant progress has been made. Recognizing the importance of learning from the past, Alison Johnstone, the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, characterized this milestone as both reflective and celebratory. "Twenty-five years of the Scottish Parliament marks a significant milestone in the country’s political history," she stated, reinforcing the idea of Parliament as a forum for both reflection on past achievements and planning for future challenges.
During the anniversary celebrations, King Charles III attended the festivities, highlighting the emotional and historical significance of the event. The King had been present at the Parliament's original opening and several key milestones throughout its history, including its 20th anniversary. Addressing attendees, King Charles noted how the Parliament’s launch represented the dawn of a new era for the nation.
The day’s events featured various performances by local artists, adding cultural vibrancy to the celebration. The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Sistema Scotland, and performers like Còisir Alba all contributed to the festivities, demonstrating the rich cultural fabric of the nation.
Reflecting on the last quarter century, some might recall the shaky beginnings of the Scottish Parliament—challenges included the untimely death of its founding first minister, Donald Dewar, and significant construction delays for the Holyrood building. Yet, each hurdle paved the way for the Parliament’s evolution. Leadership changes and power-sharing agreements have shaped its current structure, leading to successes and occasional controversies, like the fallout between former First Ministers Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon over independence and internal politics.
Looking forward, the future of the Scottish Parliament remains uncertain yet optimistic. It stands as a platform for public debate, citizen petition, and activism, asserting its presence firmly at the core of Scottish public life. Today, many recognize Holyrood as indispensable to Scotland's identity, political discourse, and governance.
