A group from Sgoil Chiùil Na Gàidhealtachd will join Scotland’s ‘Local Heroes’, musicians and entertainers as part of a 2,000-strong historic ‘Riding’ procession down Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.

6 of the Music School’s students will take part in a performance in the Parliament building after the 21 st century version of the colourful Riding – which first took place in the 17th century – to mark the Opening of the fifth session of the Scottish Parliament on Saturday 2 July.

The day’s events will include:

• After the Riding makes its way down the Royal Mile to Holyrood, Her Majesty The Queen addressing MSPs in the Chamber.
• Local Heroes: all 129 MSPs are being asked to nominate one of their constituents in recognition of the important work they do to help others or their community. All Local Heroes will be invited to Holyrood as part of the Scottish Parliament’s Opening Ceremony.
• Holyrood’s ‘Big Day Out’ – a fun packed afternoon for all the family. With a programme that has something for everyone, the gardens and doors of the Parliament will be open to all to explore, observe and participate in a full programme of events including a mini-Highland games, Music and Dance, Science and Nature, Art activities for Kids and much more.

Dougie Pincock, Director of Sgoil Chiùil Na Gàidhealtachd, commented:

“It’s a real honour to be recognised by the Scottish Parliament for the work we do, on such an historic day. We are tremendously excited to join so many performers and community groups from the length and breadth of Scotland, all working to make a positive difference, and it’ll be a great opportunity for the students involved.”

“The Opening of Parliament will be a day to remember, and we are thrilled to be part of it.”

Commenting on all of the day’s planned events, Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh MSP said:

“Some people might see the Scottish Parliament as boring or stuffy – it’s neither – and The Big Day Out is a great chance for people to come to Holyrood and experience Parliament for themselves.

“With a mini-Highland Games, art, science, music and dance all on offer, our Big Day Out should be fun for all the family.”

Mr Macintosh continued:

“The Riding will be as far from the Parliament’s ‘grey suit’ image as you can get, with Chinese dragons, Bollywood-style dancers, banners, music and some truly amazing people who have gone ‘above and beyond’ to make a positive difference in Scotland.

“We’re inviting everyone to defy the changeable Scottish weather, put on their party clothes, and help make this Opening of the Scottish Parliament an occasion everyone will remember for years to come.”