12.06.2009
A range of fun activities showcasing Scottish talent will take place in Holyrood on Wednesday 1 July as part of the Parliament’s 10th birthday activities. Drama, science, music and animation are just some of the workshops lined up for the children who share their birthday with the Parliament.
The day will begin with an address to MSPs in the Debating Chamber by Her Majesty The Queen, exactly ten years on from the Parliament receiving its full legislative powers.
Presiding Officer Alex Fergusson MSP said: “Our main aim is that the children attending have a really enjoyable day and go home with lasting memories of sharing their 10th birthday with the Scottish Parliament.
"We have put together an exciting programme of events which celebrate the diversity of Scottish culture and enterprise to give the children a day they will hopefully remember for the rest of their lives.”
Her Majesty will address MSPs and guests in the Chamber before meeting the Scottish children born on 1 July. Shortly afterwards, the 1 July children will attend a birthday party in the Members’ Restaurant, followed by an official birthday photograph with the Presiding Officer in the Debating Chamber.
The address will be webcast live on this website.
Throughout the afternoon, a range of fun activities showcasing Scottish talent are taking place for the 10-year-olds, their siblings, parents and guardians, as well as Members and their families, including the following:
Science Workshop (Glasgow Science Centre)
Glasgow Science Centre have a fun-packed programme consisting of two amazing science shows about Isaac Newton, and a drop-in workshop exploring the fascinating abilities of the human body.
Music Workshop (Scottish Chamber Orchestra)
Musicians from the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Drake Music Scotland bring the revolutionary Figurenotes system of music notation along with their instruments to reveal the secrets of the symphony.
Drama Workshop (The National Theatre of Scotland)
The National Theatre of Scotland provide a drop-in workshop of creative writing, art, sound and movement.
Craft Workshop (Ceramic Experience)
The crafty creatives from the Ceramic Experience will show how to create a take-home tartan.
Animation Workshop (Red Kite Animation)
Red Kite Animation are calling all moviemakers for an animation adventure! Choose and customise a character and move it through an obstacle course against the backdrop of the Parliament to make an animated film!
Caricaturists (Scottish Cartoon Art Studio)
The artists from the Scottish Cartoon Art Studio – the only one of its kind in Scotland – will create caricatures and cartoons.
Cake Decorating (Sodexo)
The 10-year-olds will be given the chance to be creative and decorate their own birthday cupcakes.
Birds of prey demonstration (Raptor World)
The experienced handlers and falconers from Raptor World will showcase birds of prey in the Members’ Garden, including kestrels, peregrine falcons and buzzards.
There will also be magicians, jugglers, balloon modellers, face painters and children’s entertainers across the Parliament entertaining guests.
Background
The Scottish Parliament will be marking its 10th anniversary through a programme of exciting events and groundbreaking initiatives that focus on public engagement. Information on all of the 10th anniversary activities can be found on our 10 Years of Devolution page.
Public Access
Parliament is closed to the public (including tours) from Monday 29 June to Wednesday 1 July inclusive.