The Queen has attended a special church service in Edinburgh in the first of a series of official events leading to the historic opening of the Scottish Parliament.

The parliament is being blessed in a "Kirking" service conducted by the Very Reverend Gilleasbuig Macmillan at St Giles Cathedral.

Shortly after the visit came news that the prime minister cannot attend Thursday's opening ceremony because of the Northern Ireland negotiations.

The start of official events at St Giles Cathedral has come as a relief to organisers who have had just two months to create a fitting celebration of the historic day.

Sir David has admitted some arrangements were handled badly - in particular the late dispatch of invitations which led to several celebrities turning down their opportunity to attend the opening ceremony.

"We may not have got it completely right," he said.

Sir David Steel: "Earlier start"

Referring to Holyrood, Sir David promised: "When we come to the opening of the new parliament we will start a lot earlier and I'll bear in mind those who didn't get asked this time."

But that row is likely to be forgotten as events surrounding the official opening begin in earnest.

The eve of the parliament's birth sees several beacons lit at strategic locations in the city after the sun sets, and hundreds are staying up all night at a huge bonfire on Edinburgh's Calton Hill.

Official proceedings on Thursday have been split into two parts, the first being held in the old Parliament Hall where the last Scottish Parliament sat until 1707.

Crown of Scotland

Leaders of Scotland's main political parties, MSPs and guests will gather for speeches before a civic procession to the main ceremony in the Assembly Hall.

The pomp and ceremony of the opening itself will come to the fore with the appearance of the Crown of Scotland, a symbol of Scotland's rich historical past.

The Crown, part of the Scottish Crown Jewels, will be carried before the Queen by the Duke of Hamilton into the Assembly Hall which will be packed with leading figures from all walks of public life.

The old and the new will be recognised during proceedings as a blend of traditional and contemporary music, poetry and prose will fill the hall.

The Queen will then make a speech officially opening the parliament before the Mace - a symbol of the parliament's authority - is uncovered by a herald.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, public celebrations will begin with a series of events, from rock to opera, across Edinburgh designed to make the day an unforgettable one for the people of Scotland.