Prof Morgan is unable to attend the event

However, Edwin Morgan expressed sadness that he will not be at the event on 9 October because of illness.

The 84-year-old professor is suffering from cancer.

He said: "I'm sad I won't be at the opening but I'm looking forward to hearing and watching the events on what will be a very special day."

Instead, poet and playwright Liz Lochhead will give the first public reading of the poem at next Saturday's event which will be attended by the Queen and a host of leading figures from many strands of public life.

It is a very modern building in terms of its architecture and my poem reflects that and my hopes are that it will be a building where good debates will take place Prof Edwin Morgan

The former Glasgow University professor was named "The Scots Makar" by First Minister Jack McConnell earlier this year.

Presiding Officer George Reid asked Prof Morgan to compose a poem to mark the opening of the �431m building, construction of which ran hugely over budget and behind schedule.

Prof Morgan said he has not yet been to Holyrood but revealed "I like the look of it".

He said: "I know there has been much criticism of the new parliament but I think that will gradually fade when people realise what a remarkable building they have.

'Wonderful poem'

"It is a very modern building in terms of its architecture and my poem reflects that and my hopes are that it will be a building where good debates will take place."

The poet laureate said he thought about the work over several months but it took only a week to put the 50-line poem to paper.

Ms Lochhead, 56, expressed gratitude that she had been asked to read the "wonderful poem".