A performance by the National Youth Choir of Scotland opened the 19th Commonwealth Parliamentary Seminar at the Scottish Parliament on Monday.

Delegates from across the Commonwealth are attending the week-long event, looking at ways to strengthen parliamentary democracy in the Commonwealth.

Presiding Officer Alex Fergusson welcomed delegates to Holyrood, saying:

"It is a privilege to host the 19th Commonwealth Parliamentary Seminar in the Scottish Parliament.

"Let this week again be about working together, learning and sharing with each other, with the aim of strengthening our parliamentary democracies and promoting good governance."

The seminar gives parliamentarians the opportunity to debate issues including parliamentary ethics, transparency and accountability; the right to information and
the relationship between parliament, the
executive and the public service.

Also speaking at the opening ceremony were the Cabinet Secretary for Justice Kenny MacAskill MSP, pictured, and Clare Christian MLC, Tynwald, Isle of Man.

Ian McKee MSP and Hugh O’Donnell MSP are attending as members of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Scotland Branch.

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association was founded in 1911.