DEVOLUTION DECADE GIVEN ROYAL ASSENT; Queen praises Parly on historic anniversary.

Byline: MAGGIE BARRY

THE Queen marked the 10th anniversary of devolution yesterday by addressing the Scottish Parliament.

In her speech, she recalled "the great sense of anticipation" throughout the UK as the first Scottish Parliament in nearly 300 years assumed its legislative powers on July 1, 1999.

She inaugurated the new Parliament a decade ago and in her sixth speech to MSPs said: "In my address, I noted you had set yourself a great challenge - to be a modern Parliament, one which connects with the people of Scotland in a climate of openness and accessibility."

She said she had since followed its progress "with great interest", adding: "Over this last decade, members of the Scottish Parlia-ment past and present have worked hard to address the issues of real importance to the Scottish people and have firmly embedded this as an institution at the heart of Scottish life and culture.

"Your challenge over the coming years is to take the Scottish Parliament forward on the next stage of its journey, to build upon those strong foundations, to ensure that it continues to reflect the priorities and aspirations of all of Scotland's people and to retain the public's confidence and trust."

Arriving at Holyrood earlier, the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh were greeted by First Minister Alex Salmond before being introduced to Labour's Iain Gray, Tory leader Annabel Goldie and Liberal Democrat chief Tavish Scott.

The Queen, who appeared to be struggling with a cold, was accompanied by Presiding Officer Alex Fergusson. He told the royal party the Parliament was on course to receive its 2.5millionth visitor.

Mr Fergusson said: "In our 10th anniversary year, we find ourselves in a Parliament that has established itself as one of the most open and innovative in Europe.

"But we must never rest on our laurels and that is why we are using our 10th anniversary as a platform to further strengthen our public engagement work."

Mr Salmond said the Parliament has achieved some "notable legislative successes". He said: "Scotland led the UK in banning smoking in public places and will lead the world in reducing carbon emissions. These are things in which all Scots should take pride."

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SPEECH The Queen, Alex Fergusson, centre, and the Duke of Edinburgh