This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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FM hosts Union of the Crowns dinner
01/07/2003
The historic link between Scotland and England were
marked tonight by a dinner hosted by First Minister Jack
McConnell in the Royal Museum, Edinburgh.
Her Majesty the Queen, His Royal Highness the Duke of
Edinburgh and His Royal Highness The Duke of York were
guests of honour at the dinner. They were joined by a wide
range of prominent Scots, including the Secretary of State
for Scotland, Rt Hon Alistair Darling MP.
Speaking at the dinner, Mr McConnell said:
"The Union of the Crowns is one of the most significant
dates in our history - it led directly to the most
successful Royal family in the world today. And the
subsequent union of the parliaments, in 1707, led in time
to Britain being a model for parliamentary democracy the
world over.
"Devolution has strengthened that democracy, giving
Scotland a fresh voice within the United Kingdom. This
important anniversary gives us an opportunity to send out a
positive and confident message about our national identity
both at home and abroad. It provides an opportunity to
promote Scotland's history in a way that can generate
interest within Scotland, throughout the United Kingdom,
and around the world.
"It is an indication that we are proud of our history
and willing to celebrate significant moments in our past -
mature in our recognition of what the past gives to us, as
we develop Scotland today. A confident Scotland, a Scotland
of ambition and talent, rich in our diversity and proud of
the many strands that make up our culture and
identity."
A wide range of events has been arranged across Scotland
to commemorate the 400
th anniversary of the Union of the Crowns. For a
full listing, please see
www.unionofthecrowns.com/events.
Also attending the Dinner this evening are Ian Lang,
Malcolm Rifkind, Helen Liddell, Alistair Darling, and Henry
McLeish.