Armed services' salute to parliament

The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders escorted the Crown

More than 450 service personnel took part in the state opening of the Scottish Parliament on 1 July.

Highlights of the armed forces' involvement included a flypast by the Royal Air Force's Red Arrows aerobatic team, a 21-gun salute by 105 Regiment Royal Artillery Volunteers and the berthing of the Type 23 Frigate HMS Sutherland at Leith.

The Pipes and Drums of the 1st Battalion, The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and soldiers from the 1st Battalion of the regiment provided an escort for the Crown as it was taken from the Crown Room at Edinburgh Castle to the Assembly Hall.

Pipes and Drums

The RAF Leuchars Pipes and Drums played in Parliament Square West and the Pipes and Drums of the 1st Battalion The Black Watch led Members of the Scottish Parliament and young people from Parliament Hall to the Assembly Hall.

Flypast: The Red Arrows provided a highlight

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion The Black Watch also lined the procession route, alongside members of The Queen's Colour Squadron of the Royal Air Force.

As the Royal Party left the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Band of the Royal Marines played the national anthem.

The party was escorted by the Household Cavalry to the Scottish Parliament's temporary home at the Church of Scotland Assembly Hall, where the Queen declared the parliament open.

21-gun salute

Before her arrival, 105 Regiment Royal Artillery Volunteers performed a 21-gun salute to the Queen from the battlements of Edinburgh Castle.

The children's parade was escorted by the Highland Band of the Scottish Division and Lowland Band of the Scottish Division.

Within minutes of the end of the official ceremony, the Red Arrows flew over the Queen and other assembled dignitaries at the Mound, trailing blue and white smoke - the colours of Scotland's Saltire flag.