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Queen to present mace to Scottish Parliament
09/04/1999
Her Majesty the Queen has agreed to formally present a specially commissioned mace to the Scottish Parliament on July 1, the day the new body assumes its full powers.
As a symbol of the authority of the Parliament, the mace will be placed at a focal point in the debating chamber during sittings of the Parliament.
Ten Scottish silversmiths have been invited to submit designs for the mace by April 2. Their brief states that the mace design should be contemporary and distinctive to Scotland. It should also be in keeping with the architecture of the new Parliament building and reflect Scotland's renowned silversmithing tradition. The design may incorporate indigenous materials and symbolic references to Scottish tradition and culture.
The Scottish Office will fund the project and has set a budget of £25,000. A design selection panel - chaired by The Scottish Office - has been appointed and includes silversmithing and jewellery experts together with members of the Parliament building design team.
The arrangements for the presentation of the mace to the Parliament by the Queen will form part of the official opening ceremony on July 1.
News Release: 0929/99
9 April 1999