Prince Charles joined political and religious leaders at the Kirking of the Parliament ceremony in St Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh, ahead of the new Scottish Parliament session.

SNP leader Alex Salmond and Labour counterpart Jack McConnell put aside their political differences to attend the ceremony.

Nicol Stephen was accompanied by his wife Caris for the ecumenical service of blessing.

Robin Harper, co-convener of the Scottish Green party, was also in attendance.

The service was led by Cardinal Keith O'Brien, head of the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland, alongside Most Rev Dr Idris Jones of the Scottish Episcopal Church and the Rt Rev Alan McDonald, Moderator of the Church of Scotland.

Prince Charles chatted with the leaders of the four main political parties during a reception at the Signet Library in Edinburgh.

The Prince shared a joke with members of the public who lined streets around the cathedral after the ceremony.