02/07/2009 07:01:00

The Queen travelled to the Scottish capital to visit the Holyrood parliament 10 years after it was established.

After meeting political party leaders, the Queen gave an address to MSPs at the Edinburgh building that recalled the beginnings of Scottish devolution and its progression since then.

According to the BBC, the monarch said: "I have followed your progress with great interest, at the Mound, in Aberdeen and here at Holyrood.

"During each visit I have been struck by the spirit of engagement and innovation shown by the members as you seek to fulfil your commitment to serve the people of Scotland.

"The projects and activities which the presiding officer has spoken of are clear examples of your continuing commitment to your founding principles; principles that have served you well over the last decade and which I hope will continue to guide you in future."

Also present at the speech were over 100 children who were born in Scotland on the day the Scottish Parliament was formally given the power to make laws - July 1 1999. The Queen acknowledged them, pointing out that they were children who had grown up only knowing Scotland as a country with its own parliament.

Following her address, the Queen met each of the children, some of which included those who have moved away but returned for Scotland's Year of Homecoming.

First Minister Alex Salmond responded, saying: "We the people of Scotland are enjoying a renewed sense of ourselves and a new hope for the future.

"We look forward to the next 10 years with confidence ... because, whatever the future holds, Scotland can and Scotland will flourish."