MSPs prepare for first day of new Parliament

All MSPs will start their work in the Parliament by making an oath or affirmation, which must happen before they can take part in any other parliamentary business at Holyrood.

John Swinney MSP, as leader of the largest party at Holyrood, will be the first to be sworn in, followed by the other party leaders. Other MSPs will be called forward in alphabetical order.

This initial meeting will be chaired by the current presiding officer, Alison Johnstone MSP.

In the afternoon MSPs will be asked to elect a new presiding officer, who will serve for the rest of the new parliamentary session. It is expected that two deputy presiding officers will be elected later in the afternoon.

Ahead of their first meeting in the chamber, MSPs will have taken part in the first part of an induction programme in the parliament building.

Speaking ahead of the MSPs arriving at the Scottish Parliament, David McGill, the Parliament’s clerk/chief executive, said: “It is great to be able to welcome new MSPs into the Parliament, where our dedicated staff team will be on hand to help them get acquainted with their roles and responsibilities.

“This Parliament’s first formal meeting, on Thursday 14 May, will be particularly significant for those performing their first duties as MSPs, and for those seeking to become presiding officer and deputy presiding officers. 

“The first sitting day has an important role in formally introducing MSPs to the public, but the election of the Presiding Officer in particular starts to set the agenda for the session ahead.”