This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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FM hosts Union of the Crowns dinner
01/07/2003
The historic link between Scotland and England were marked tonight by a dinner hosted by First Minister Jack McConnell in the Royal Museum, Edinburgh.
Her Majesty the Queen, His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh and His Royal Highness The Duke of York were guests of honour at the dinner. They were joined by a wide range of prominent Scots, including the Secretary of State for Scotland, Rt Hon Alistair Darling MP.
Speaking at the dinner, Mr McConnell said:
"The Union of the Crowns is one of the most significant dates in our history - it led directly to the most successful Royal family in the world today. And the subsequent union of the parliaments, in 1707, led in time to Britain being a model for parliamentary democracy the world over.
"Devolution has strengthened that democracy, giving Scotland a fresh voice within the United Kingdom. This important anniversary gives us an opportunity to send out a positive and confident message about our national identity both at home and abroad. It provides an opportunity to promote Scotland's history in a way that can generate interest within Scotland, throughout the United Kingdom, and around the world.
"It is an indication that we are proud of our history and willing to celebrate significant moments in our past - mature in our recognition of what the past gives to us, as we develop Scotland today. A confident Scotland, a Scotland of ambition and talent, rich in our diversity and proud of the many strands that make up our culture and identity."
A wide range of events has been arranged across Scotland to commemorate the 400 th anniversary of the Union of the Crowns. For a full listing, please see www.unionofthecrowns.com/events.
Also attending the Dinner this evening are Ian Lang, Malcolm Rifkind, Helen Liddell, Alistair Darling, and Henry McLeish.