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The final touches are put to the area around Holyrood in advance of the formal opening by the Queen on Saturday

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Police were out in force from the early hours putting up barricades and closing off roads

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Inside, the debating chamber, Presiding Officer George Reid has a wistful look about him

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Parliament Hall was the first stop for the Queen's itinerary, where speeches were made before heading out to the Royal Mile

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First Minister Jack McConnell addresses the gathering in Parliament Hall

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Outside, something above the Royal Mile catches the Queen's attention as she heads for a dais from which to watch the Riding

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Meeting the people - the Queen and the first minister go on a short walkabout in bright sunshine

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The Riding goes by and the Queen is clearly amused by something in the 1,000-strong procession

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Presiding Officer George Reid gives a hearty rendition of Auld Lang Syne while the Queen looks a little less sure

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The Duke of Edinburgh joins in Auld Lang Syne with MSPs Trish Godman and Murray Tosh

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Benedetta Tagliabue, widow of the parliament's architect Enric Miralles, joins in the celebrations from the balcony in the debating chamber