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IDEAs special guests at opening of 3rd Session of Parliamentp>

Earlier this year, two representatives from IDEAs were invited as special guests to the opening of the 3rd session of the Scottish Parliament attended by HM The Queen and Prince Philip.
Margaret Shaw and Jack Ross joined representatives from other community groups at a reception with The Queen inside the parliament building. Margaret and Jack shared conversation with Prince Philip as the Royal couple processed out of the Chambers followed by the MSPs.

The guests were then ushered to a special viewing area where they watched The Ridings – a procession of hundreds of representatives from community groups across Scotland including street performers and musicians, from New Street to the Parliament.

Following the Ridings Jack and Margaret joined the throng of people for a picnic lunch in the landscaped garden area, with entertainment from the cream of Scottish talent, including Blazing Fiddles, Salsa Celtica, Red Hot Chilli Pipers, and the Inverness Gaelic choir. Margaret said ‘There was a great atmosphere, we met some lovely people and spotted some famous faces including Alex Salmond and Sean Connery!’